Risk Factors for a Hand Dislocation
You face increased risk of hand dislocation if you:
- Participate in high-impact sports like hockey, baseball, football, or basketball
- Engage in sports where falls are common, such as gymnastics or volleyball
- Have conditions affecting joints or ligaments, including osteoporosis, arthritis, hypermobility, or Ehlers Danlos syndrome
Signs and Symptoms That You Have Suffered a Dislocation in Your Hand
Hand dislocations can produce symptoms comparable to fractures. Common indicators include:
- Visible hand deformity
- Inability to move hand and/or wrist
- Severe pain that isn’t improved by taking over-the-counter pain medications
- Hand and wrist swelling
- Numbness or unusual sensations in the hand
Seek emergency room care immediately if you suspect a dislocation, as these injuries cannot heal without professional intervention.
Treatment for Hand Dislocations
Initial care: Immobilize your hand and apply ice to reduce swelling and inflammation before reaching the ER.
Medical evaluation: Doctors will order imaging, typically X-rays, though CT or MRI scans may be necessary, to assess the injury.
Surgical repair: An orthopedic surgeon will reposition bones and repair ligaments and soft tissue under general anesthesia. Recovery involves a cast which will immobilize it fully while it heals, typically worn for 6-8 weeks.
