Hand & Wrist Center of Houston Home If you suspect broken bones, dislocated joints, lacerated tendons, lacerated nerves, infection, or have an open wound below the elbow, then call us immediately.
 
HAND FRACTURES


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The small bones of the hand are easily broken and often shift out of place. The two main issues are to prevent deformity and loss function due to healing in the wrong position and to also prevent stiffness. Most of the stiffness comes from the injury itself, but treatment choices must be considered since the more invasive the treatment, the more final stiffness the patient faces.

MEDICAL HISTORY

Patients notice the signs and symptoms of injury including pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity.

EXAMINATION

Any deformity must be carefully noted. The amount of motion that is possible is important for planning. Function of the associated tendons and nerves are checked.

ADDITIONAL TESTS: Plain x-rays are all that is needed.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

 NON-OPERATIVESURGICAL PINNINGSURGICAL FIXATION
CONSISTS OFSplintingTemporary smooth sided wires hold the bones in the correct positionScrews or plates on the inside
FEATURESFracture must be naturally stableWires out by 4 weeks later, outpatient surgeryFormal incision, outpatient surgery
ADVANTAGESAvoids surgerySets and keeps the correct position, no incisionsMost correct position, solid fixation
DISADVANTAGESPosition of fracture may slip while splintedAnesthetic, risk of pin tract infection, can't control finger rotation wellMost invasive, most stiffness

RECOVERY

Early motion is the key to preventing stiffness no matter which of the 3 plans is chosen. Outpatient therapists will offer a protective splint in between hourly sessions to move the affected joints. The more committed the patient is to his own rehabilitation, the better the final outcome. If pins are used, the therapy may not begin until they are removed. If internal fixation with screws or plates is used, therapy must begin right away. Bone healing is usually complete by around 8 weeks post-op. Unrestricted use is usually allowed by 3 months post-op.
 
 
 
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  • Dr. Henry is remarkable along with his staff and his practice. I recomend Dr. Henry to my friends and co-workers. - 05/18/11
  • This has been a wonderful experience for me with great outcome - 11/21/11
  • Another successful visit, thank you. - 02/08/12
  • ... I like the office and exam rooms--unique ... - 01/04/11
  • My visit was pleasant; the staff are great. - 01/10/11
  • All the staff is great, they all do an outstanding job and make me feel welcomed every time i come in. - 01/21/11
  • Thank you for your kind assistance during my visit. - 11/30/11
  • Thanks for eveything! - 09/12/11
  • Fantastic team! - 03/09/11
  • great service with fantastic results - 08/25/11
  • great job!!! - 01/26/11
  • I am very pleased with the service received from Dr. Henry. He is a very great doctor. - 09/19/11
  • I've already recommended others to Dr. Henry because of his outstanding abilities to take care of his patients and his excellent staff of professionals. - 02/08/12
  • ...I believe Dr. Henry is the best and has made a huge difference in our medical situations. I have referred many people and would continue to come until he retires - 11/28/11
  • amazing (: - 11/07/11
  • i am from beaumont tx and i would come back any time - 11/17/11
  • Very greatful the staff took care of me was thankful they all showed so much care. hopefully i dont have to come back but if i do i knonw i will get treated with outstanding care. - 08/25/11
  • I have seen 4 other physicians...for my finger laceration and NONE of them explained my condition, options and the science behind the injury as well as Dr. Mark Henry. - 01/05/11
  • THE DOCTOR AND STAFF ARE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS!!! - 03/03/11
  • I am super happy with my experience and the outcome of my situation. I would definitely recommend this practice to friends with similar situations. - 02/07/12
  • Dr. Henry and his staff are remarkable..very organized and informed. Everyone, including Dr. Henry, is both professional and friendly. I would and have recommended this office to anyone!! Thank you! - 08/02/11
  • I NOT ONLY LIKED DR. HENRY, BUT ALL OF THE STAFF THAT I MET WERE VERY NICE. I WOULD CERTAINLY RECOMMEND DR. MARK HENRY TO MY FRIENDS. - 02/25/11
  • if everybody worked like dr mark henry and his staff the us would be debt free congragulations guys i was really impressed. - 11/16/11
  • I had surgery on both hands and I am really impressed with the results of my hands. Thanks Dr. Henry - 08/08/11
  • The staff are always professional and courteous. Often very helpful...Very grateful. Thanks - 12/01/11
  • Dr Henry did a wonderfull job and fixed the problems I had with no pain or worry. - 01/17/11
  • Very informative - 11/30/11
  • This entire experience thus far has been amazing. The staff has been great and very helpful. Thank you hand and wrist center. - 08/02/11
  • Glad i came to see the wrist center for a second opinion. i feel i am being cared for by the best in the area and i will be able to resume my life. - 01/27/12
  • Luis was extremely helpful and professional assisting me, a NCM, with my problem. Please give him a cookie or a raise. - 09/20/11
  • Outstanding from start. Already recommended to friend - 12/19/11
  • great staff and service - 02/11/11
  • I will definately recommend Dr. Henry to anyone who has hand and/or wrist problems. Very personable and professional as well as thorough !!! - 04/01/11
  • l staff is considerate and friendly! We love everyone! - 11/16/11
  • Very impressed by every aspect of my visit from the friendliness of everyone to how quickly I was treated. I would definitely recommend this doctor and facility to others. - 12/29/11
  • We loved Dr. Henry! He made my 8 year old son feel very comfortable during a tough time. - 11/29/11
  • Overall the Doctor and Staff has been outstanding - 01/23/12
  • Always a great experience. - 01/13/12
  • very good staff - 12/07/11
  • staff in this clinic are very nice and friendly - 03/02/11
  • Wonderful experience very impressed with the care and accuracy they showed to my dad...Thanks - 01/12/11
  • I will miss everyone here, but I am pleased with my healing process and happy with my recovery. - 01/12/11
  • Absolutey the best place to come if you have any hand issues. - 12/07/11
  • You guys are awesome!!! Very happy with service!!! - 04/08/11
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