Medical Approach to Fractures, Dislocations, and Ligament Injuries
Management of Fractures, Dislocations, and Ligament Injuries of the Hand and Wrist
The hand consists of 27 small bones (carpal, metacarpal, and phalanges) and dozens of ligaments that hold these bones together. Skeletal injuries resulting from falls, sprains, sports injuries, or severe trauma directly impair the hand’s fine motor movements.
Hand and Wrist Fractures
Fractures of the distal radius or the scaphoid (a bone in the wrist) are among the most common injuries. Scaphoid fractures, in particular, are very difficult to heal due to the bone’s anatomical structure. Depending on the fracture’s position (whether it is displaced or not), the patient may be treated with a splint or cast; however, for fractures at risk of displacement, surgical fixation is performed using K-wires (Kirschner wires), mini plates, and screws.
Joint Dislocations and Ligament Tears
Even if the bones are intact, a tear in the ligaments that hold the joint together leads to a significant loss of stability in the hand. For example, "skier’s thumb" (UCL tear) in the thumb makes it impossible to grasp objects. Dislocations detected in the early stages are reduced (put back in place) and immobilized with a splint; however, in cases of complete ligament tears with tissue interposition, anatomical repair is performed using microsurgical sutures or bone anchors.