PATIENT INFORMATION: What to do after treatment of closed fractures of the fingers and metacarpals

Wear any applied stabilization devices carefully. Ensure good hygiene as far as possible.

See the doctor quickly if something has been loosened, if bleeding or new pain occurs.

Keep appointments for check-ups and contact the practitioner if this is not possible.

Do not wear stabilization devices for longer than instructed by your doctor.

While immobilization is necessary for bony healing and minimizes pain, early exercise reduces adhesion of the tendon and shrinkage of the ligamentous apparatus and thus ensures a better functional end result.

Elevation of the affected extremity, cooling and anti-inflammatory therapy reduces post-operative swelling and is also useful in conservative fracture treatment.

All joints that are not immobilized should be carefully and actively moved.

Specialized hand therapy is particularly recommended for complicated fractures. This kind of therapy initially involves ensuring stability with protective intent while controlling pain and carrying out anti-swelling measures. The functionality of the hand is then restored by means of passive, then active-assisted and finally active exercises.