Hand Injuries & Amputations
The human hand is an incredibly intricate and versatile part of the body. Its complex network of bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels work together to provide us with agility, strength, and sensory perception. This complexity also makes the hand highly vulnerable to various injuries.
At Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health, we know how important your hands are for everyday tasks and complex activities. Hand injuries and amputations can seriously affect your ability to do these things, causing both physical and emotional difficulties. Our skilled team provides thorough care for many hand injuries and amputations. We use advanced methods and create personalized treatment plans to help restore your hand function and improve your quality of life.
Anatomy of the Hand
Understanding the hand’s anatomy can help you see why it is so important to take care of it. The hand is made up of 27 bones, which are divided into three main sections:
- Phalanges: These are the bones in your fingers. Each finger has three phalanges (distal, middle, and proximal), while the thumb has two.
- Metacarpals: These five bones form the middle part of your hand, connecting your fingers to your wrist.
- Carpals: The wrist is made up of eight small bones called carpals, arranged in two rows. These bones connect your hand to your forearm.
These bones are supported by muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which allow your hand to move and stay strong. Important structures include:
- Flexor Tendons: These run along the palm side of your hand and help you bend your fingers.
- Extensor Tendons: Located on the back of your hand, these tendons help you straighten your fingers.
- Ligaments: These muscular tissues connect bones and keep your joints stable.
- Nerves: The median, ulnar, and radial nerves control your hand muscles and give you a sense of touch.
Injuries to any part of your hand can cause pain, weakness, or loss of movement. We focus on the injured parts to help you regain hand function and return to your daily activities as soon as possible.
Types of Hand Injuries
Lacerations (Cuts)
Lacerations, or cuts, are among the most common types of hand injuries. They can occur due to accidents at home, work, or during recreational activities. These injuries can range from a superficial cut to a deep, complex laceration that may involve the nerves, arteries, muscles, and tendons. Proper evaluation and treatment of lacerations are crucial to prevent complications such as infection, nerve damage, and impaired function.
Evaluation and Treatment
When evaluating a laceration, your physician will assess the depth of the injury and determine if any vital structures have been compromised. Local anesthesia may be administered to numb the area, and the wound will be thoroughly cleaned to remove any contaminants. Depending on the severity of the injury, your physician may use sutures, staples, or other techniques for wound repair or closure.
Dislocations
Dislocations occur when a bone is displaced from its normal position within a joint, resulting in obvious deformity, pain, and decreased mobility. These injuries can result from trauma, such as a fall or a sudden impact.
Evaluation and Treatment
When a dislocation occurs, your physician first ensures no associated fractures. The dislocated bone must then be realigned through a process known as reduction. After the reduction, the affected joint is immobilized with a splint or cast to allow proper healing.
Fractures (Broken Bones)
Fractures, also known as broken bones, are common in the hand. Particularly in the small bones that make up the fingers and wrist, and can range in severity.
Evaluation and Treatment
If a hand fracture is suspected, X-rays are used to assess the extent of the injury. Treatment may involve realigning the bones with or without surgery, depending on the severity and location of the fracture. A cast or splint may be recommended to immobilize the affected area during healing.
Amputations
Amputations, the complete or partial removal of a body part, can occur due to traumatic injury or be a planned surgical procedure to prevent the spread of disease or infection. Hand amputations can involve the fingers, thumb, or even the entire hand.
Causes of Hand Amputations
Hand amputations can occur due to a variety of causes, including:
- Traumatic injuries, such as those sustained in accidents or severe crush injuries.
- Infections that have progressed to the point where amputation is necessary to prevent the spread of disease.
- Vascular disorders, such as peripheral artery disease or Raynaud’s phenomenon, that can lead to tissue necrosis and the need for amputation.
- Congenital abnormalities or developmental disorders that affect the formation of the hand or fingers.
Evaluation and Treatment
When hand amputations occur, your physician assesses the extent of the injury to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Replantation, the reattachment of the amputated part, may be possible in some cases but is not always feasible. If replantation is not an option, the focus will be on wound management, pain control, and prosthetic hand fitting. This may involve surgical procedures to prepare the remaining tissue for a prosthetic hand device and referrals to hand therapists and prosthetists for rehabilitation and adaptation.
Nerve and Tendon Repair
As a result of a hand injury, a patient might experience nerve or tendon damage. The intricate network of nerves and tendons within the hand is critical for sensory and motor function.
Nerve Repair
Nerve injuries can cause various sensory and motor deficits, depending on their location and severity. Physicians may repair damaged nerves using direct suturing, nerve grafting, or nerve conduits.
Tendon Repair
Tendon injuries can also significantly impact hand function, as they are responsible for the movement and positioning of the fingers and thumb. Tendon repair may involve primary suturing, tendon grafting, or transfers to restore function.
Rehabilitation and Therapy
The rehabilitation and therapy process is a critical component of hand injury management, as it helps patients regain function, reduce pain and stiffness, and adapt to residual deficits.
Hand Therapy
Hand therapists, often occupational or physical therapists with specialized training in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, play a vital role in recovery. They employ various techniques, including range-of-motion and strengthening exercises, desensitization techniques, and scar management.
Prosthetic Hand Fitting
Prosthetic devices are an essential aspect of rehabilitation for patients who have undergone amputation. Prosthetic hands and fingers can help restore function, improve appearance, and enhance overall quality of life.
Our Approach to Hand Treatment
Hand injuries and amputations are challenging for both patients and doctors. However, a broad team approach can help many patients regain high function and quality of life.
Our expert physicians at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health are skilled at diagnosing and treating various hand injuries and amputations. Contact us today to begin your recovery journey and experience restored function and improved quality of life.