Yes, a hospital can do a great deal for a broken finger, offering various treatments to ensure proper healing and minimize complications. Their primary goal is to straighten the finger, stabilize it, manage pain, and prevent infection.
How Hospitals Treat a Broken Finger
When you go to the hospital with a broken finger, healthcare professionals will assess the injury and provide targeted care. The interventions typically involve a combination of the following:
- Pain Management:
- They will administer an injection of local anaesthetic to effectively numb the pain in your finger, making the examination and treatment much more comfortable.
- Realignment (Reduction):
- If the bones are out of alignment, the healthcare provider will carefully straighten your finger. This process, known as reduction, ensures the bones heal in the correct position.
- Immobilization:
- To keep the bones stable while they heal, your finger will be immobilized. Common methods include:
- Splint: A device made of plastic, metal, or plaster that supports and holds the finger in place.
- Cast: In some cases, a more rigid cast might be applied, often extending to part of the hand or wrist to provide greater stability.
- Buddy Strapping: Your injured finger may be taped to an adjacent healthy finger. This "buddy" acts as a natural splint, providing support and protection.
- To keep the bones stable while they heal, your finger will be immobilized. Common methods include:
- Infection Prevention:
- If the break involves a cut or open wound, there's a risk of infection. To prevent this, the hospital may:
- Administer a tetanus injection if your vaccination status is not up to date.
- Prescribe antibiotics to fight off potential bacterial infections.
- If the break involves a cut or open wound, there's a risk of infection. To prevent this, the hospital may:
These treatments are crucial for ensuring the broken finger heals correctly, reducing the likelihood of long-term problems such as stiffness, deformity, or ongoing pain.
Summary of Hospital Interventions for a Broken Finger
| Intervention Type | Action Taken by Hospital | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Relief | Administration of local anaesthetic injection | To numb the pain and allow for examination/treatment |
| Bone Realignment | Manual straightening of the finger | To ensure bones heal in the correct anatomical position |
| Immobilization | Application of a splint, cast, or buddy strapping | To keep the broken finger stable during healing |
| Infection Prevention | Tetanus injection or prescription of antibiotics (if cut) | To prevent infection in open wounds |
Seeking prompt medical attention for a broken finger is important, as proper treatment can significantly impact the recovery outcome. For more detailed information on broken fingers and their care, you can visit the NHS website.
