M.D. Injuries to the hand and wrist are among the most common and potentially the most disabling. Our hands are the primary vehicles by which we interact with our environment. Even a relatively minor injury to our hands can spell disaster if not treated appropriately. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical care are of the utmost importance in preventing long term disability in hand and wrist injuries. Lacerations occur frequently in the hands and fingers as a result of mishaps in the kitchen, and at work.
Injuries can occur to the nerves, arteries, veins, and tendons, in addition to the skin.
It is most important to identify injuries to these deep structures in the hand and fingers as soon as possible as a satisfactory result is dependent on timely treatment. Unfortunately, the signs of a tendon or nerve injury can be subtle, and sometimes missed, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Other injuries to the hand, wrist, and fingers include sprains, dislocations, and fractures. Sometimes it is difficult to judge the severity of an injury without a careful physical examination and X-ray. In some cases, this mistaken diagnosis can lead to permanent impairment in the hand's function or appearance.