A closed fracture occurs when a bone is broken but does not penetrate or break through the skin.
Closed fractures can be undisplaced, where the bone remains in its normal position, or displaced, where the bone fragments have moved out of alignment.
Hand fractures commonly involve the phalanges (finger bones) or metacarpals (the long bones of the hand).
Is this an emergency?
If you have sustained a closed fracture (there is no open wound) this is not a medical emergency however it still requires prompt medical assessment and treatment.
Please contact 1300HANDOC for advice and further instructions.
- Deformity of the finger
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Stiffness or numbness
- Impact injuries
- Crush injuries from tools, machinery and equipment
- Falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sporting accidents
- Heavy falling objects
- Door or door hinges
- History and Mechanism of injury
- Clinical examination
- Xray
If your fracture is not displaced (meaning the bones remain in their normal position), it may be treated without surgery. In many cases, your hand will be immobilised in a splint, and you will be referred to a hand therapist for hand therapy. A repeat X-ray may be required to ensure the bones remain in the correct alignment during the early stages of healing.
In some cases, surgery may be required if your fractures are displaced (bones are not aligned) or unstable.
Contact 1300HANDOC to discuss the most suitable treatment pathway based on the injury.
1300 426 362