Hand surgery
Hand injuries: preserving function after trauma
A wound or blow to the hand can damage the skin, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, bones and joints at the same time. A small wound does not guarantee minor damage.
Written by the Polycrabat Sevamed team · Published on
In brief
- A wound or blow to the hand can damage the skin, tendons, nerves, blood vessels and bones at the same time: a small wound does not guarantee minor damage.
- Being unable to bend or straighten a finger, loss of sensation, a pale or cold finger, a deep wound or a bite require prompt medical advice; after a traumatic amputation, call the emergency services.
- Recovery depends as much on the repair as on well-conducted specialised rehabilitation.
Which signs justify a prompt assessment?
Being unable to bend or straighten a finger, loss of sensation, a pale or cold finger, a deformity, a deep wound or a bite require prompt medical advice. After a traumatic amputation, call the emergency services; the emergency team will explain how to preserve the severed part and how care will proceed. A painful, red wound that is getting worse may indicate an infection.
Why can a small wound be serious?
A tendon or nerve can be cut beneath a small skin opening. Some tendon or nerve injuries require specialist exploration even if the skin appears only slightly open.
What assessment does the team carry out?
The examination checks the blood supply, sensation and movement of each finger, before any local anaesthetic when possible. An X-ray looks for a fracture or a foreign body.
Why is rehabilitation essential?
Afterwards, specialised hand rehabilitation follows a precise protocol, with splints and scheduled exercises, to limit stiffness and adhesions while protecting the repair; its pace depends on the structure injured. Resuming certain efforts too early can compromise the result; immobilising for too long can also harm function. Healing of the skin is not enough to judge recovery.
Useful questions to ask
- Were the circulation, sensation and movement of each finger checked before the local anaesthetic?
- Do I need specialist exploration or surgical repair, even if the wound looks small?
- Which splint, which exercises and what schedule for resuming effort are recommended for me?
Frequently asked questions
Does a finger that can still move rule out a tendon injury?
No. Some partial injuries still allow movement.
Why not resume effort immediately?
A repair can give way if it is put under strain too early.
This content provides general medical information. It does not replace a consultation or a personalised decision by your care team. In case of serious or sudden symptoms, contact the emergency services in your country or a doctor without delay.
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How is the injury treated?
Treatment may combine cleaning, immobilisation, surgical repair and prevention of infection depending on the injury.