Current Concepts of Fractures and Dislocation of the Hand

ABSTRACT

Fractures and dislocation of the hand is a body injury involving complex structures and multiple functions, which frequently occur as they represent 10%-30% of all fractures. Such fractures and dislocation of the hand should be treated in the context of stability and flexibility; and tailored treatment is required in order to achieve the most optimal functional performance in each patient since deformation may occur if not treated, stiffness may occur with unnecessarily excessive treatment, and both deformation and stiffness may occur coincidently with inappropriate treatment. Stable injuries can be fixed with splintage whereas surgery is actively considered for unstable injuries. In addition, surgeons should keep in mind that as the surgical intervention is done aggressively, aggressive rehabilitation must be followed in correspondence with the surgical intervention. Successful outcome requires effort to prevent any potential complication including nerve hypersensitivity and infection. Finally, it is also important that the patient to know that swelling, stiffness, and pain may last for a long period of time until the recovery of fractures and dislocation of the hand.