Broken finger

A broken finger is a frequently occurring bone fracture. All fingers except the thumb consist of three phalanges, the thumb has two. With a broken finger there is a break in one or more phalanges of the finger. Other terms for a broken finger are finger fracture or phalanx fracture.

How does a broken finger occur?

A broken finger is almost always the result of an accident (trauma). Think, for example, of a finger caught between a slamming door or a fall or hard blow to the hand. A broken finger also occurs regularly in certain ball sports such as handball, basketball and korfball. In that case the break occurs after the ball hits an outstretched finger at speed.

Different types of finger fractures

There are different types of bone fractures of the finger. Several factors such as the cause, the location of the break and the bone quality play a role in determining the type of break.
- An avulsion fracture, also called a peel-off fracture, is a break that occurs as a result of a large tensile force of a tendon on the bone.
- A stress fracture, also called a fatigue fracture, is a bone fracture that is caused by repeated loading on the bone.
- A pathological break occurs with decreased strength or quality of the bone. This occurs mainly in people with bone demineralisation (osteoporosis) or as a result of metastatic cancer in the bone.

Characteristics of a broken finger

A broken finger is often accompanied by (pressure) pain that worsens when bending and extending the finger. Immediately after the break the finger can be crooked. It is also possible that the finger at the level of the break becomes swollen and discoloured. If nerves are also trapped due to the bone fracture, the finger may tingle or be numb.
Sometimes the difference between a broken finger and a bruised finger is not really clear. As a result, it regularly happens that people only discover late that the finger is actually broken.

How is a broken finger diagnosed?

The patient history and the present characteristics of the broken finger help in making the correct diagnosis. The GP or physiotherapist then performs a physical examination with a number of tests. A widely used test is testing for axial compression pain. The hand is grasped and the finger is gently pushed in the direction of the hand. With a broken finger this immediately causes more pain.

A broken finger will always be further examined in hospital. Usually this is done by taking several X-rays from different directions. These provide more information about the location of the break and the type of break. It can also be considered to make a bone scan. This is only done if bone demineralisation is thought to be a possible cause of the broken finger.

Treatment of a broken finger

After there is clarity about the location and the type of break it is decided what the best treatment is. With a broken finger surgery is usually not necessary. A period of plaster or a splint for six weeks is then sufficient to allow the break to heal.

In some cases, such as when bone parts are displaced, an operation must take place. During the operation the surgeon puts the bone fragments back in the correct position with metal plates and screws.
After the operation or plaster period the finger feels stiff. It is important to make the finger mobile again. A physiotherapist, and in particular a hand physiotherapist, can help with this. For example by setting up exercises, taping the finger or massaging the muscles.