A hand fracture is one of the most common injuries seen in orthopedic surgery. Patients in Northeast Georgia often present with fractures of the fingers, thumb, or wrist. These broken bones can cause severe pain, joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes dislocation.
Dr. Thomas Neustein is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship trained in hand and upper extremity surgery. His practice provides advanced treatment options, specialized care, and complete hand surgery services to restore health and function.
What Is a Hand Fracture?
A hand fracture occurs when one of the bones in the hand breaks. Fractures may involve the metacarpals in the palm or the phalanges in the fingers and thumb. Because the hand contains joints, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, nerves, and skin, even a small break can affect the entire upper extremity.
Common Causes of Fractures
Fractures and dislocations often result from falls, sports injuries, or workplace accidents. Patients may land on an outstretched wrist, strike the elbow, or twist the forearm. Overuse and poor bone health can also increase the risk of broken bones and fractures.
Symptoms of a Hand Fracture
Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, numbness, or deformity. Patients may notice joint pain when moving the fingers or wrist. A crooked little finger, bent thumb, or visible dislocation of the affected joint are clear warning signs.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Prompt diagnosis by a medical professional is essential. Board-certified orthopedic surgeons can confirm fractures with X-rays and design a treatment plan to provide relief. Same day appointments are available in Northeast Georgia for urgent injuries.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Not all fractures require hand surgery. Many broken bones heal with splints or casts. This type of treatment supports the affected joint, reduces pain, and protects nearby muscles, tendons, and skin. Medications may also reduce inflammation during the recovery process.
When Surgical Intervention Is Needed
Some fractures need surgical repair. Surgical intervention may be required if bones are unstable, if a dislocation is present, or if blood vessels and nerves are threatened. In these cases, orthopedic surgery offers the best results for patients.
Surgical Techniques and Advanced Treatment Options
In the operating room, fellowship-trained surgeons use advanced technology and modern surgical techniques. Plates, screws, or pins stabilize broken bones and correct dislocation. These advanced treatment options restore alignment and protect blood vessels and nerves.
Hand Surgery and Specialized Care
Hand surgery requires specialized care. Because fractures involve delicate joints and tendons, patients benefit from seeing a fellowship trained, board certified surgeon. This expertise ensures that treatment plans address both fractures and joint pain effectively.
The Recovery Process
The recovery process varies with the severity of the fracture. Some patients heal in weeks, while complex fractures and dislocations take longer. Therapy helps restore motion, strength, and function. Relief from pain and protecting long-term health are the main goals.
Preventing Infections
Infections can complicate recovery, especially after surgical repair. Proper wound care, medications, and follow-up reduce risks. Patients are educated on how to watch for early signs of infections during their recovery process.
Fractures of the Fingers and Thumb
Fingers are especially vulnerable to fractures and dislocation. The little finger and thumb are often injured in sports and falls. Early treatment prevents deformity, stiffness, and loss of motion in these small but vital joints.
Wrist and Forearm Fractures
The wrist and forearm play a key role in upper extremity function. Fractures in these areas may occur with or without dislocation. Orthopedic surgery may be required to stabilize the bones, protect the elbow, and restore hand and wrist motion.
Protecting Blood Vessels and Nerves
Fractures may damage blood vessels or nerves. Protecting circulation and sensation is essential during surgical intervention. A board-certified orthopedic surgeon ensures that nerves, muscles, and skin remain healthy throughout treatment.
Pain Relief and Medications
Managing pain is part of every treatment plan. Medications reduce inflammation and stiffness, while splints support broken bones. Patients are guided through a recovery process that provides relief and maintains long-term joint health.
Orthopedic Surgery and the Upper Extremity
Orthopedic surgery is designed to treat the entire upper extremity. Fractures of the hand, wrist, and elbow are all managed with advanced treatment options. Specialized care ensures that patients regain function across the whole arm.
Preventing Stiffness After Fractures
Stiffness is one of the most common complications after fractures. Early therapy, guided by a medical professional, helps patients maintain motion in the fingers and wrist. This protects long-term health and prevents joint pain.
Advanced Treatment Options in Northeast Georgia
Patients in Northeast Georgia have access to advanced technology and specialized care for fractures and dislocations. Orthopaedic surgery services provide treatment plans designed to restore motion, relieve pain, and maintain health.
Everyday Life After a Fracture
With proper treatment, patients return to work, sports, and family life. Relief from pain, correction of dislocation, and restored grip strength are achievable goals. Protecting hand and wrist health also supports elbow and forearm function.
Related Conditions Treated
In addition to fractures, Dr. Neustein treats conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries, and joint dislocation. Comprehensive hand surgery and orthopedic surgery services provide complete care for the hand and upper extremity.
Why Choose Dr. Neustein
Dr. Neustein is a board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon with fellowship training in advanced surgical techniques. His expertise in fractures, dislocations, infections, and joint pain makes him a trusted medical professional in Northeast Georgia.
Call to Schedule
If you have suffered a hand fracture, dislocation, broken bones, or wrist injury, contact Specialty Orthopaedics today to make an appointment with Dr. Neustein. Early treatment provides relief, prevents infections, and protects your long-term health.
