Outlook

Most hand injuries will heal without significant loss of function if evaluated by a doctor soon after the injury. Almost all hand injuries require a medical evaluation because even the most insignificant hand injuries have the potential for serious or crippling loss of function.

Many factors will play a role in determining how well the injury heals with the least limitation of function.

• Type of injury
  
  
• Severity of injury
  
  
• Delay of definitive medical evaluation and treatment
  
  
• Compliance to treatment plan (keeping appointments, taking medications, and changing dressings as directed, for example)