Broken Hand

Call 911 if:

• The person is seriously injured or unconscious.
• The hand is numb or cold.
• The skin under the fingernail is blue.
• A bone is sticking out of the skin.
• The bleeding doesn't stop after several minutes of firm pressure.
• Blood spurts from the wound.

1. Stop Bleeding if Necessary

• Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth until bleeding stops.
• If the bone is pushing through the skin, do not touch it or try to put it back in place.

2. Control Swelling

• Apply an ice pack (do not put ice directly against the skin).
• If possible, remove any jewelry immediately.

3. Immobilize the Hand

• If the person's hand is numb or cold or the skin under the fingernails is blue, do not move the hand or arm. Otherwise:
• Have the person bend the arm at the elbow.
• Do not try to straighten the hand if it bent or deformed.
• Tie a splint on the lower arm with fabric or elastic bandages. Cardboard, rolled-up newspaper, or other stiff material can be used as a splint.
• Make a sling and place the person's arm in it. Tie the sling around his or her neck.

4. See a Health Care Provider Immediately

5. Follow Up

• The health care provider will likely take X-rays and check for feeling and range of motion in the hand to determine whether there has been nerve or tendon damage.
• The health care provider may apply a splint or cast.
• Surgery may be needed for more complicated fractures.

SOURCES:

University of California San Francisco Medical Center: "Hand and Wrist Fractures."

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Hand Fractures."

American Society for Surgery of the Hand: "Hand Fractures."