Expert Hand Fracture Repair in Morgantown, WV
Specialized Wrist and Hand Fracture Surgery
A fall onto an outstretched hand or a direct blow during an accident can easily result in a broken bone in the complex structures of your hand or wrist. A fracture in this area is more than just an inconvenience; it can lead to significant pain, swelling, and a loss of the fine motor skills needed for everyday tasks. While many fractures can heal in a cast, severe breaks often require surgery to restore alignment and stability. Hand and wrist fracture surgery is a specialized procedure aimed at precisely repairing the bones to ensure a full recovery and prevent long-term complications like stiffness, weakness, or arthritis.
For over four decades, Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates (MOA) has been the trusted name in orthopedic care for Morgantown and North Central West Virginia. Our fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeons are experts in treating everything from simple to complex hand and wrist fractures. We are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care, working with you to achieve your recovery goals. By performing advanced fracture surgery at the state-of-the-art Mon Health Medical Center, we combine our extensive experience with modern techniques to restore function to your hand.
If you've suffered a hand or wrist injury, prompt evaluation by a specialist is key. We offer faster appointments than many large health systems, ensuring you get the expert care you need without delay.
What is hand and wrist fracture surgery, and how does it work?
Hand and wrist fracture surgery, often called open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), is a procedure to repair broken bones that are displaced or unstable. "Open reduction" means your surgeon will make an incision to directly view and realign the fractured bone fragments into their proper anatomical position. Once the bones are correctly aligned, "internal fixation" is performed. This involves using specialized medical-grade hardware—such as small plates, screws, pins, or wires—to hold the bone pieces together securely. This hardware acts as an internal splint, keeping the bones stable while they heal. The primary goal of the surgery is to restore the intricate alignment of the hand and wrist, which is crucial for regaining strength, dexterity, and a full range of motion.
What are the symptoms of a hand or wrist fracture?
The symptoms of a hand or wrist fracture are typically immediate and obvious. You will likely experience severe pain at the site of the injury, which worsens with any attempt to move your hand or wrist. Significant swelling and bruising often appear quickly. One of the most telling signs is a visible deformity, where the hand or wrist may look crooked or out of shape. You may also have a limited ability or a complete inability to move your fingers or wrist, along with tenderness to the touch over the broken bone. In some cases, you might feel numbness or coolness in your fingers, which could indicate an issue with nerve function or blood flow and requires immediate medical attention.
How do I know if I need surgery for a hand or wrist fracture?
The need for surgery depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Many stable, non-displaced fractures (where the bones are still aligned) can be treated effectively with a cast or splint. However, a fracture specialist will likely recommend surgery if the fracture is significantly displaced, unstable (meaning the bone fragments are likely to shift), or involves a joint surface. Precise alignment of joint fractures is critical to reduce the risk of developing arthritis later. Open fractures, where a bone fragment has pierced the skin, always require surgery to clean the wound and repair the bone. An orthopedic surgeon will use X-rays to assess the break and determine the best course of treatment.
What is the recovery process like after hand and wrist fracture surgery?
Recovery after hand or wrist fracture surgery is a structured process focused on protecting the repair while restoring function. After your procedure, your hand and wrist will be immobilized in a splint or cast for several weeks to allow the bone to heal. Keeping your hand elevated is important to manage swelling. Your surgeon will encourage you to move your fingers to prevent stiffness, as long as it doesn't compromise the fracture site. Once the bone has shown sufficient healing, the cast is removed, and you will begin hand therapy. This is a crucial step for regaining range of motion, strength, and dexterity. Full recovery can take several months, but your MOA team will guide you through each phase.
How much does hand and wrist fracture surgery cost?
The cost of hand and wrist fracture surgery can vary based on the complexity of the fracture, the specific hardware used, your insurance plan, and the facility fees. The total cost will include the surgeon's fee, anesthesia charges, and the cost of the outpatient surgery center or hospital. Because surgery for an unstable or displaced fracture is medically necessary to restore function, it is covered by most health insurance plans. The administrative staff at Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates can assist you in understanding your insurance benefits and provide an estimate of any potential out-of-pocket costs.
More Questions About Hand and Wrist Fracture Care
Do I need a referral to see a fracture specialist at MOA?
No, you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with one of our hand and wrist specialists. For acute injuries like fractures, we believe in providing direct and timely access to expert care.
How quickly can I schedule an appointment for hand or wrist fracture surgery?
At Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates, we prioritize patients with acute injuries. We are committed to providing prompt evaluations and can typically schedule appointments much more quickly than larger hospital systems.
What should I expect during a hand and wrist fracture surgery consultation?
During your consultation, a fellowship-trained hand surgeon will discuss your injury, review your symptoms, and perform a careful physical examination. X-rays will be taken in our office to get a clear view of the fracture. Your doctor will then explain the nature of your injury and discuss all treatment options, helping you make an informed decision about your care.
What are the risks of hand and wrist fracture surgery?
While generally safe, all surgeries have potential risks, including infection, bleeding, and nerve or blood vessel damage. Risks specific to hand and wrist surgery can include stiffness, weakness, and hardware irritation. In rare cases, the bone may not heal correctly (nonunion). Our experienced surgeons take every precaution to minimize these risks and will discuss them with you in detail.