Hand Injuries
Hand injuries affect the complex structures of the hand and wrist — including bones, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and skin — and range from simple lacerations to complex trauma involving multiple structures. Common injuries include fractures, tendon and nerve lacerations, fingertip amputations, crush injuries, and burns. Prompt, appropriate treatment is critical, as even seemingly minor injuries can result in significant functional impairment if not properly managed.
Common Injuries and Treatment
Tendon injuries require surgical repair under local or general anaesthetic. Flexor tendon injuries — which affect the tendons that bend the fingers — are technically demanding due to the narrow pulleys through which they pass. Post-operative rehabilitation following specific protocols is crucial; too much early movement risks rupture, too little causes stiffness. Extensor tendon injuries are more superficial and generally easier to repair, though precision is still required.
Nerve injuries result in loss of sensation and motor function. Microsurgical repair aligns and sutures the nerve endings together. Nerve regeneration is slow (approximately one millimetre per day) and recovery takes months. Sensory re-education therapy helps the brain reinterpret signals during recovery.
Fractures are managed based on the bone involved and fracture stability. Stable fractures may be treated with splinting alone, while displaced or unstable fractures require surgical fixation. Fingertip injuries are treated according to the extent of tissue loss, from simple dressings for minor wounds to flap coverage for exposed bone. For complete amputations, replantation using microsurgical techniques may be possible, with thumbs and multiple digit amputations being the highest priority.
Your Recovery
Recovery varies enormously by injury type and severity. Simple repairs may allow return to normal activity within six weeks; complex injuries involving multiple structures may require three to six months or longer with ongoing hand therapy. Hand therapy is crucial for optimising outcomes, with most significant injuries requiring two to three months of regular sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon do I need surgery?
Clean tendon and nerve lacerations are ideally repaired within twenty-four hours, though delayed repairs within a week are often acceptable. Seek evaluation promptly after any significant hand injury.
What should I do immediately after a hand injury?
Control bleeding with direct pressure, elevate the hand, and seek medical attention promptly. For amputations, place the amputated part in a clean plastic bag then into ice water (not directly on ice), and go immediately to the emergency department.
Will I regain full function?
This depends on injury severity. Early, appropriate treatment and committed participation in hand therapy provide the best outcomes. Complex injuries may result in some permanent limitation.
THE SPECIALIST CLINIC DUBLIN
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery performed with Care & Compassion
If you have sustained a hand injury, contact us for urgent evaluation. For traumatic injuries, please present to your nearest emergency department or hospital and our hand surgery team can be consulted.