A spiral fracture in the hand is a break in one of the bones in the hand that extends along a spiral path. This type of fracture can be caused by twisting or turning the hand in an unnatural way, such as when falling onto an outstretched hand.

This article will look at the causes, the diagnosis, the treatment, and the recovery required for a spiral fracture in the hand.

What Is a Spiral Fracture? 

A spiral fracture is a break in the bone that follows a spiral pattern. Spiral fractures are most common in the long bones of the arm or leg but can also occur in other bones such as the hand.

Spiral fractures can be very serious, especially if the break extends into the joint. Treatment typically involves immobilisation of the affected limb in a cast or splint to allow for proper healing. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases.

How Does a Spiral Fracture Occur?   

A spiral fracture usually occurs when the bone is twisted or rotated. This can happen when you fall downstairs, during a car accident, or during certain sports activities. The force of the impact causes the bone to break in a spiral pattern. Spiral fractures can be very serious, especially if the bone punctures the skin. If this happens, you will need immediate medical attention to prevent infection.

How Do I Know if My Hand is Fractured? 

There are a few ways to tell if you have a hand fracture. The most common symptom is pain, which is often severe. You may also notice swelling, bruising, or redness around the affected area. You may feel like your hand is weak or unstable, and you may have difficulty moving your fingers or thumb. If the fracture is severe, you may see an obvious deformity in your hand. If you think you might have a hand fracture, it's important to see a trained health prfessional right away so that the injury can be properly diagnosed and treated.

If you have a hand fracture, your hand therapists will likely recommend that you wear a splint to immobilise the affected area and allow it to heal. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to align the bones correctly. With proper treatment, most people make a full recovery from a hand fracture. However, it's important to follow your hand therapist’s instructions carefully to ensure that the injury heals properly. 

Other Common Types of Fractures in the Hand 

The most common type of fracture in the hand is a Colles' fracture. This fracture occurs when the wrist is broken. Treatment for this type of fracture typically involves immobilisation of the wrist in a splint for six weeks. Surgery may be necessary if the bone is severely displaced. Rehabilitation from a Colles' fracture is typically four to six months.

Another type of fracture that can occur in the hand is a Smith's fracture. This fracture occurs when the bones in the back of the wrist are broken. Treatment for this type of fracture typically involves immobilisation of the hand in a splint for six weeks. Surgery may be necessary if the bone is severely displaced. Rehabilitation from a Smith's fracture is typically four to six months. 

Greenstick fractures are caused by a bending force that causes the bone to break on one side only. Greenstick fractures are more common in young children because their bones are more flexible. Treatment for this type of fracture involves a splint for four to six weeks. 

Conclusion

If you have suffered a spiral fracture, it is important to see a hand therapist as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the proper treatment.

Our multidisciplinary health care team of hand therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and paediatric specialists deliver timely and treatment-focused hand therapy across patients with spiral fractures in the hand, as well as a range of related hand and wrist injuries. With the right care, most spiral fractures make a full recovery. For more information on spiral fractures in the hand, get in touch with Apricus Health today.