Crack in hand

There are quite a few life circumstances in which you can get a variety of injuries. A common occurrence in traumatology is a crack in the hand. It can be obtained, as in normal everyday conditions, and in various accidents, accidents. But in addition, there are a number of conditions that predispose to such injuries. They need to know and take into account in order to be able to prevent such accidents.

[1], [2]

Epidemiology

According to statistics, a crack in the hand is most often found in elderly and elderly people. This is due to increased brittle bones, impaired metabolic processes that predispose to brittle bones. It is also associated with a violation of coordination, blood circulation, in connection with which the elderly often fall, hit. In old age, approximately 45% of hand fractures occur. Approximately 35% of all hand cracks occur in persons of mature age - from 25 to 45 years. Moreover, they are most often injured in emergency situations (up to 70% of cases), due to their professional activities - up to 18% of cases at home. On vacation - about 10%. Other causes account for about 2%. At the same time, the number of injuries on holidays increases sharply, especially on New Year's Eve, from May 1 to 10. During this period, the emergency services, the departments of traumatology work in an enhanced, emergency mode. On average, the frequency of fractures and cracks of the hand during this period increases by 2.5-3 times. Approximately 15% of injuries occur in adolescents and young people - from 12 to 25 years, and only 5 percent - in children under the age of 12 years.

[3], [4], [5], [6], [7]

Causes of the cracked hands

A crack in the hand can be obtained at any age, and under any circumstances. Naturally, the main reason is the traumatic circumstances under which the physical destruction of the bone occurs, the violation of its integrity. The main reason for considering the injury, which can occur with a strong push, compression, impact, tension, pressure. Trauma can occur in ordinary living conditions, in everyday life, most often through carelessness and carelessness. Injury can be sustained during the various works at home, in the garden, in the country.

Injury can be obtained in the course of professional activities at work. Especially often injuries occur in production, during physical exertion. Often cracks occur in coaches, instructors, athletes. Injury can be observed professional athletes who perform physical exercises incorrectly, who train intensively, especially when preparing for competitions, directly at competitions, tournaments, relay races, and performances.

And of course, various accidents, emergencies, accidents, catastrophes are frequent causes of injury in the hand. The crack can be obtained in case of fire, flood, earthquake, collapse of a building, during strong hurricanes, tsunami.

The reason may be osteoporosis - a disease of the skeletal system, in which the structural condition of the bones is disturbed, they become fragile, brittle. The reason may be increased fragility of the bones, arising in connection with the violation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism in the body, with a lack of vitamin and minerals, especially when there is a lack of vitamin D. Under these conditions, the bones also lose elasticity and firmness. Increased fragility can also be observed in connection with past infectious diseases, bone tuberculosis, after chemotherapy and antibiotic therapy, against the background of rickets, with disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, lack of organic matter in the body.

Fragility of bones increases with age, in old age, when degenerative processes develop, age-related changes in bone and muscle tissue, degeneration, malnutrition. The reason may be a violation of neuroregulatory, immune, less often - hormonal processes.

Risk factors

The main risk factors are environmental conditions under which a damaging factor may affect the human body. The risk increases dramatically in emergency situations, in case of accidents, with high physical exertion, in extreme situations. This may be a zone of hostilities, local conflicts, zones in which there is an increased risk of developing catastrophes, emergency situations. If a person has a history of osteoporosis, bone tuberculosis, rickets, and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Also at risk are elderly people who often suffer from infectious diseases, people with insufficient nutrition, malnutrition, and hypovitaminosis.

Brush cracks often get tourists, especially those who prefer extreme sports, such as surfing, scuba diving, rock climbing, mountaineering, and others. These include people of various natural scientific professions, researchers who often have to live and work in extreme conditions: geologists, geographies, biologists, ecologists, zoologists, volcanologists, and oceanologists. An ordinary tourist who is moving along unfamiliar paths, especially in the mountains, at waterfalls, in caves, may also be injured.

[8], [9], [10], [11], [12]

Pathogenesis

The basis of the pathogenesis is the actual destruction of the bone, the development of cracks in the hand, the violation of the anatomical and morphological integrity of the hand. There are several variants of pathogenesis. First, bone displacement may occur, with the formation of fragments. Secondly, a fracture can be in one place or in several.

Particularly dangerous multiple injuries with the formation of fragments. With the displacement of bones (there is a risk of damage to soft tissues, blood vessels, nerves). On the site of a cracked hand, the skin can break through, which is also dangerous due to complications, in particular, infection, which leads to inflammatory, infectious, septic processes, gangrene. Often, hand cracks are accompanied by bruises, hematomas, sprains or ruptures of tendons, muscles, ligaments. The formation of exudate (liquid) is dangerous.

[13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18]

Symptoms of the cracked hands

The main symptoms of a crack in the hand are the inability to move the brush, pain in the hand, swelling. There is a feeling of violation of the integrity of the brush, fragmentation when probing. Cracks are accompanied by pain directly at the moment when the crack itself occurred. But there are cases when a person does not feel that the bone has cracked.

Mobility restriction is not always a sure sign of a crack. In some cases, on the contrary, it develops, irregular (excessive mobility of the limb). Displacement, misalignment of a bone, displacement, swelling, compaction makes itself felt. As the symptoms of a crack in the hand, the curvature is considered not only of the hand, but also of the limb itself. Perhaps a massive hemorrhage in violation of the integrity of the skin, hematomas are formed under the skin (due to soft tissue damage).

Usually the first sign of a crack is a sharp pain in the area of the hand. Often the pain is accompanied by a crunch, the inability to move the brush, hand. With the open crack of the hand, the integrity of the skin is broken, a fragment of bone sticks out of the wound, bleeding occurs, and edema appears. When the crack is closed, the skin becomes cold, pale, blue, numb, and sensitivity is disturbed.

Crack of the wrist bone is accompanied by pain, a violation of the integrity of the bone. Sometimes the internal soft tissues, nerves and blood vessels are damaged, hematoma, swelling, redness appear.

Often such injuries are the result of shocks, sudden pressure and are observed in various accidents and accidents.

A person with a fracture of the bones of the wrist, you need to provide first aid. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the bias (if any). After this, the fixation (connection) of the bones should be carried out. A splint or tight bandage is applied. It is important that bone contact occurs and further immobilization (rest). For this and impose a plaster.

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Complications and consequences

The consequences and complications depend on the type of crack. So, with an open crack, complications such as displacement, edema, and painful shock may occur. With a closed hand fracture, damage to blood vessels and nerves may develop. Bleeding appears, neuralgia. Progressive neuralgia can result in decreased sensitivity, paralysis, atrophy, necrosis. When joining the infection there is a risk of inflammatory, infectious process, erysipelas, gangrene, bacteremia, sepsis.

How much does a crack in the hand heal?

The healing time also differs, depending on the type of crack, the cause, individual characteristics of a person, age. Definitely in young people, the crack heals faster than in old people. How much a crack in the hand heals depends on the condition of the bones, the presence or absence of complications, and the accompanying pathologies. On average, if there are no complications, a  crack in the hand heals from 1 to 3 months. With complications, this process can be delayed up to six months or more.

[20],

Diagnostics of the cracked hands

The basis of proper treatment is correct diagnosis. A crack in the hand can be identified during the examination at a trauma station. It is enough for an experienced traumatologist to test the arm in order to determine the crack, its location, and dimensions. But according to the protocol. No matter how experienced a specialist is, we need valid and reliable methods of diagnosis. Therefore, laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods are used. For example, the X-ray method of research will help to fully visualize the pathology and look at all the features of the crack in the picture. Only after receiving the X-ray results, the doctor can finally establish the diagnosis and has the right to prescribe the appropriate treatment. In the diagnosis of cracks in the hands, X-rays is the main diagnostic method.

[21], [22], [23], [24], [25]

Analyzes

Laboratory methods are uninformative, so they are rarely used. Analyzes are almost never prescribed for the diagnosis of clefts in the hands, except in cases of complications. Also in rare cases, may be appointed to monitor the effectiveness of therapy.

Standard tests are a clinical analysis of blood, urine, feces. In traumatology, methods such as rheumatic tests, C-reactive protein analysis, and biochemical studies are sometimes used. Basically they have prognostic value, allow revealing predisposing (aggravating factors), such as osteoporosis, rickets, etc. They also allow you to evaluate how effective the treatment is, or they are used for complications.

[26], [27], [28], [29], [30]

Instrumental diagnostics

The main method of instrumental diagnostics is x-ray (radiographic) examination. Methods such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (CT; MRI) are also used. These are quite meaningful informative methods. Give the opportunity to visualize the crack, to consider its main characteristics. But they are rarely used, due to the high cost. Ultrasound of bones and soft tissues is also used, but rarely.

Differential diagnosis

The essence of the differential diagnosis is the need to accurately determine the type of crack, its localization. There are many types of cracks that appear about the same, but require different approaches to treatment. The more accurately a fracture is differentiated, the easier and more effective it is to select a treatment.

Treatment of the cracked hands

The treatment takes place in several stages. So, at the first stage, standard symptomatic treatment is prescribed. In fact, this is an emergency care for the patient. It is necessary to remove the main symptoms, such as pain, swelling, rupture of soft tissues, blood vessels. It is necessary to prevent the likelihood of the development of complications, such as the violation of the integrity of the skin, inflammation, infection.

Then, in the second stage, the bone is immobilized. Important measures aimed at splicing the cracked bones of the hand. In this case, use gypsum. The point is to provide a fixed position of the bone for its further healing.

If necessary, used and drug therapy: painkillers, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective agents.

After removal of gypsum to restore sensitivity and mobility, rehabilitation (rehabilitation therapy) may be required. This is mainly drug therapy in combination with physical activity, massage, exercise therapy.

Medicines

• Chondroitin Ointment

Dosage: squeeze out a pea-sized ointment, apply to the area of the crack, to the brush. Grind until completely absorbed.

Method of application: only externally, on the skin.

Precautionary measures: it is impossible to apply on mucous membranes. Also do not apply to damaged skin (with open fractures, wounds can not be).

Side effects: possible allergic reactions. With an overdose - burning, redness.

• Analgin

Dosage: one tablet 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment ranges from 3 to 7 days, depending on the severity of the pathology.

How to use: take a sip, drink water.

Precautionary measures: it is necessary to take with caution to patients with a tendency to bleeding, since analgin strongly thins the blood. Not compatible with anticoagulants.

Side effects: bleeding with low blood clotting.

• Spazmallon

Dosage: one tablet 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is from 5 to 10 days.

How to use: take a sip, drink water.

Precautions: consult a doctor before starting treatment.

Side effects: not known.

• suprastin

Dosage: one tablet 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is from 5 to 10 days.

How to use: take a sip, drink water. You can chew, dissolve, holding under the tongue (so the drug acts faster).

Precautions: consult a doctor before starting treatment.

Side effects: drowsiness, decreased concentration.

Vitamins are used mainly after the removal of gypsum, in the process of rehabilitation treatment. Assign vitamins of group B - 60 mg per day, C - 1000 mg, A - 420 mg, E - 45 mg. Vitamin C is especially important because it removes the effects of a fracture, accelerates the regenerative processes.

Physiotherapy treatment

Various methods of physiotherapy are used. They are most effective in the process of rehabilitation, after the removal of gypsum. They allow metabolic processes, tissue nutrition, return sensitivity, normalize blood circulation. The main methods of physiotherapy treatment are ultrasound treatment, microcurrents, waves of different lengths, electrophoresis, massage, cryoprocessing, thermal procedures, electrical procedures.

One of the main rehabilitation methods is electromyostimulation (increases the electrical activity of skeletal and smooth muscles, normalizes electrical potential, which is important for restoring sensitivity and mobility after prolonged immobilization). Acupuncture has similar properties, only it additionally relieves pain.

It must be borne in mind that no procedure will be effective without physiotherapy exercises. It is necessary to use the means of active and passive gymnastics.

Alternative treatment

With the help of numerous and varied alternative treatment methods, standard therapy can be effectively supplemented.

• Recipe number 1.

About 30-40 grams of white clay are taken as the basis. Add baby cream (about the same amount). Prepare a mass of uniform consistency. The mass should be such that it is easily applied to the skin and hardened (in consistency approximately as sour cream). Apply for 15-20 minutes on the brush, in the place where there is a crack, then wash off and apply a greasy cream (any) or anti-inflammatory ointment.

• Recipe number 2.

As a basis, take about 20-30 grams of blue clay and purified roasted sand, mixed with each other. Pour a small amount of pre-cooked warm vegetable broth (buds and birch leaves, linden flowers, nettle leaves). Prepare a mass of homogeneous consistency (like sour cream). Immediately before applying to the crack of the brush, add 2-3 drops of concentrated eucalyptus essential oil. Apply for 15-20 minutes, then wash off and apply a thick cream (any), or ointment.

• Recipe number 3.

They take approximately in equal shares ground dry algae and purified sulfur food, mixed with honey until a homogeneous consistency. Mix well, so that no lumps remain. If you can not stir, you can pre-melt the honey on low heat or in a water bath.

Before applying to the brush, add 2-3 drops of clove essential oil, mix thoroughly again, and apply for 10-15 minutes. It is also recommended to apply dry heat on top. Rinse with warm water, put on top of moisturizing cream.

• Recipe number 4.

Mix in equal shares of blue clay and powder of ground bone meal (about a tablespoon of each component), add about 2 tablespoons of cream and 1 tablespoon of glycerin. All this is thoroughly mixed, until a uniform consistency, applied to the brush. It is better to use a compress. After about 40-50 minutes, rinse with warm water.

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Herbal medicine

Usually, medical treatment is first applied, and gypsum is applied. And herbal therapy is used when the gypsum is already removed and restoration is required.

Chamomile drug is used in the form of decoctions and infusions inside, boosts immunity, eliminates viral infection, prevents infection. It is also used as a part of creams, ointments, masks, for compresses and medical baths.

Apply decoction of cardamom. It has a calming and firming effect, is responsible for removing irritation, inflammation, relieves pain, increases muscle and skin sensitivity. A tablespoon of seeds poured a glass of boiling water. Apply infusion (pour alcohol, insist day and drink a tablespoon three times a day). Broth drink a glass per day. Can be used in the form of applications, compresses, lotions, baths.

To eliminate inflammation, edema, apply Calendula. Mix in equal shares flowers, inflorescences (seeds) and leaves of calendula ordinary, pour boiling water (200-250 ml), insist for at least an hour, use for local baths, compresses during the day. You can add honey or sugar to taste and drink. Relieves inflammation, pain. Prevents the development of infection, eases condition.

Homeopathy

For the treatment and recovery after a crack in the hand, not only traditional medicamentous agents are used, but also homeopathy. Various essential oils, which are used mainly in the form of applications and local baths, have found wide application.

In order to make the application, you need to prepare a warm solution, then dip the fabric in it, squeeze it and put it on the brush. A layer of dry fabric is superimposed on top, and dry heat is applied from above.

To carry out the baths prepare a solution, make it warm, you can be slightly hot. Dip in there a hand with a crack. Keep at least 15 minutes. Then the hand is pulled out, not wiped, but only slightly soaked. It is recommended to apply dry heat on top. It is recommended to use the following solutions listed below.

• Recipe number 1.

About 3-5 drops of orange essential oil are added per liter of warm water. Relieves pain, redness, stimulates skin sensitivity. Eliminates spasm, increases the tone of weakened muscles, relaxes tense areas.

• Recipe number 2.

About 3-4 drops of vanilla and gardenia essential oil are added per liter of water. Used to relieve pain and increase the tone of skeletal muscles.

• Recipe number 3.

1-2 drops of jasmine, hyacinth and neroli oil are added to a liter of water. Relaxes, normalizes muscle tone, normalizes blood circulation, increases muscle and skin sensitivity. It has anti-inflammatory effect, prevents the risk of infection.

• Recipe number 4.

About 1 liter of warm water requires 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil, 2 drops of rose oil and 3 drops of cedar oil. Relieves inflammation, increases sensitivity, tones. Cools, relieves burning, itching, which often occur after removing the plaster.

• Recipe number 5.

2-3 drops of saffron, lavender and incense oils are added to a liter of water. Prevent the development of allergic and inflammatory reactions, normalizes blood circulation, stimulates normal vascular tone, skin sensitivity, muscle tone.

Surgery

Mostly fractures and fractures are treated with gypsum. Methods of surgical treatment are used if the crack has not properly grown together, or if the heart affects nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues. Also, the need arises in the development of complications, such as necrosis, inflammatory, infectious processes.

Prevention

The basis of prevention is a normal balanced diet, the use of vitamin and minerals. It is also important to avoid the impact of eliminating all possible risk factors that could lead to a crack. In addition, to increase the strength of bones, requires regular physical exercise, agile lifestyle, if necessary, take calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D.

Forecast

The prognosis depends on the severity of the condition, localization and size of the crack, as well as on individual characteristics: the state of the bones, the age of the injured. If a crack is detected in a timely manner and plaster is applied, the prognosis will be favorable. Usually a  crack in the hand  is treatable, and leaves no adverse effects.