Finger (Phalanx) Fracture
Description
This is a break of a bone in a finger — one of the most common childhood injuries, often from a jammed finger, a ball, or a finger caught in a door. Many involve the growth plate, since that is a natural soft spot.
How it happens (the mechanism)
A jam, crush, or twist concentrates force on the small finger bones, frequently right at a growth plate. As with the hand bones, fingers tolerate angles that line up with the way the finger bends but are unforgiving of rotation — a twist makes the fingertip cross its neighbor when the hand closes.
Symptoms
Pain, swelling, and bruising of the finger, sometimes with a bend, a crooked nail, or a finger that crosses when curled.
Doctor examination and imaging
The doctor checks alignment and rotation and looks at the nail and skin; X-rays show the fracture and whether it involves the joint or growth plate.
Treatment
Many are treated simply by taping the injured finger to its neighbor (“buddy taping”) or with a small splint. A shifted or rotated bone is straightened, and a fracture into the joint or growth plate occasionally needs a pin. Gentle early motion, when allowed, helps prevent stiffness.
Recovery and long-term outlook
Most finger fractures heal quickly and well. Stiffness, rather than the break itself, is often the bigger concern, which is why gentle motion is encouraged once the fracture is stable.
When to call the doctor
Call the office right away if your child’s fingers become numb, pale, blue, or cold; pain keeps worsening even after raising the arm and giving medicine; swelling does not improve with elevation; the cast feels too tight, cracked, or wet, or smells bad; or your child develops a fever.
Learn more
OrthoInfo (AAOS) — Growth Plate Fractures: orthoinfo.aaos.org
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific concerns about your child, consult a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.