title: Common fractures and dislocations of the hand.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the concept of early protected movement with Kirschner-wired finger fractures to the hand therapist. 2. Choose the most appropriate method of fracture fixation to achieve the goal of a full range of motion. 3. Describe the methods of treatment available for the most common fractures and dislocations of the hand.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The main goal of treatment of hand and finger fractures and dislocations is to attain a full range of wrist and nonscissoring finger motion after the treatment is accomplished. This CME article consists of literature review, illustrations, movies, and an online CME examination to bring the participant recent available information on the topic.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors reviewed literature regarding the most current treatment strategies for common hand and finger fractures and dislocations. Films were created to illustrate operative and rehabilitation methods used to treat these problems. A series of multiple-choice questions, answers, discussions, and references were written and are provided online so that the participant can receive the full benefit of this review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Many treatment options are available, from buddy and Coban taping to closed reduction with immobilization; percutaneous pins or screws; and open reduction with pins, screws, or plates. Knowledge of all available options is important because all can be used to achieve the goal of treatment in the shortest time possible. The commonly used methods of treatment are reviewed and illustrated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Management of common hand and finger fractures and dislocations includes the need to focus on achieving a full range of motion after treatment. A balance of fracture reduction with minimal dissection and early protected movement will achieve the goal.
authors.affiliation: Orange, Calif.; Boston, Mass.; and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada From the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center; Harvard Medical School, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital; and Dalhousie University.
authors.forename: Neil F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Jesse B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Jupiter
authors.forename: Donald H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Lalonde
mesh_terms: D001864:Bone Wires; D050278:Finger Phalanges / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery*; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000601:surgery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular