Next Steps

Follow-up

The patient will most likely leave the hospital in some type of splint or dressing. It is very important not to disturb the splint. It is holding the fractured finger in the correct position for healing. Keep the dressing clean, dry, and elevated in order to decreasing the swelling.

• Activity may aggravate the injury and cause increasing pain, so it is best not to use the involved hand until the follow-up appointment with the hand specialist.

• A specialist may want to see the patient about one week after the injury occurred for another x-ray to evaluate the position of the fracture fragments. It is extremely important to make this appointment. If the finger is not aligned correctly, it may affect the healing of the finger and leave permanent disability.