Fracture Repair for the Hand, Wrist or Fingers

What is a fracture fixation?

Fracture fixation is a surgical treatment used to stabilize broken bones in the hand, wrist or fingers using hardware such as pins, plates, screws or wires. At Novant Health, our hand and wrist surgeons realign the broken bone using a technique called open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to promote proper healing and help restore function after an injury.

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When surgery is the best option

Fracture fixation may be recommended when:

The fracture is displaced, unstable or involves a joint
Casting or splinting will not maintain proper alignment
Pain or deformity interferes with gripping or daily activities
Healing without surgery could increase the risk of arthritis or long-term weakness

Your hand and wrist specialist will evaluate the type and location of your fracture, along with your activity level, to determine the best treatment option. We can often evaluate and create a treatment plan in a single visit.

Internal fixation (pins, plates or screws)

Small implants are used to hold bone fragments together while they heal. Thin pins (called K-wires) are often used to stabilize finger fractures, while wrist fractures — such as distal radius fractures — may require plates and screws for stronger support. This approach often allows earlier movement to help reduce stiffness. Your care team will provide guidance about returning to work based on your job demands.

External fixation

In more complex cases, an external frame may be used, with pins placed into the bone and connected to a device outside the skin. This is less common for hand fractures but may be used for severe wrist injuries or certain infections. Our hand and wrist surgeons use advanced techniques tailored to your injury.

Recovery Expectations

Recovery typically takes about six to 12 weeks. You may need to wear a splint at first to protect the repair. Some swelling and stiffness are normal early on. Our certified hand therapists will you help restore strength, range of motion and function through guided exercises and swelling control. Many patients return to light activities within four to six weeks and regain near-full function by about three months. In most cases, the hardware can remain in place permanently unless it causes problems.

Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.