Phalanx fracture

Symptoms of a phalanx fracture usually include one or more of the following:

• Finger pain and tenderness
• Finger swelling/stiffness
• Finger bruising
• Finger deformity (crooked fingers, end of finger won’t straighten)

Most causes of phalanx fracture involve trauma to the fingers:

• Sudden “jamming” injuries to the fingers (mallet fractures)
• Twisting or hyperextension injuries (dog leashes, falls, sports)
• Blunt force trauma (work injuries, sports, vehicle accidents)
• Hand crush injuries
• Enchondroma (benign bone cyst that weakens the bone until it fractures)

Fractures are obvious on physical examination, but severe sprains and contusions can also look and feel very much like a phalanx fracture. X-rays usually offer definitive diagnosis and help with treatment planning.

Suspected hand fractures warrant emergency treatment if you are experiencing hand numbness and tingling, severe or “tight” swelling, significant deformity of the hand or any open wounds around the hand (possible open or compound fracture). Even without these warning signs, it is best to seek urgent treatment.