Closed reduction of hand fractures.
Stiffness is the most frequent consequence of open hand fracture treatment. Although initial injury severity and occurrence adjacent to the flexor tendon sheath are the most highly correlated determinants of hand fracture outcome, operative intervention accentuates the ultimate risk of stiffness. Closed treatment may minimize this risk. Articular fractures are at greater risk for stiffness than extra-articular fractures. Functional tolerance for small amounts of variation from perfect anatomic restoration gives us increased latitude for closed hand fracture management. Operative treatment may be justified for simple closed fractures when they are unstable, irreducible, or open, or when the surgeon believes that the risk-to-benefit ratio is favorable.
Freeland
Alan E
AE
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA. afreeland@orthopedics.umsmed.edu
D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D050276:Hand Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination