Prophylaxis
A finger fracture usually happens due to an accident. Risk factors are the practice of contact sports such as field hockey, football or handball, but certain occupational groups also fall under the risk profile for the acquisition of a finger fracture. People in these risk groups should therefore pay particular attention to their fingers and not underestimate the risk of a finger fracture.
Prognosis
The prognosis after a finger fracture depends on many different factors. Timely diagnosis and early therapy start play a major role in assessing the prognosis. After a longer period of time without therapy, it is to be expected that damages after a finger fracture will persist in the long term.
This is also the case if immobilization after an operation takes too long. Therefore, function-preserving exercises should be started as early as possible after surgery. Patients with uncomplicated stable fractures can begin to move the finger again after one to three weeks in order to avoid stiffening of the finger.
After about four weeks, the old mobility and freedom from pain should be guaranteed, but caution is still required during sports activities. In the case of more complicated, dislocated fractures, it can take months for the bones to grow back together completely, usually 6 to 12 weeks. The duration of therapy is determined by visible healing on the x-ray and the regaining of full and pain-free mobility of the finger.
