Complications and Recovery from a Broken Finger
Complications and Recovery from a Broken Finger vary depending on the severity of the injury, the quality of treatment, and whether rehabilitation is followed correctly. The most common complications and recovery from a broken finger issues include stiffness, joint deformity, loss of movement, and long-term pain.
Joint stiffness is the most frequent complication. Immobilisation is necessary for healing, but keeping the finger immobile for too long can lead to limited range of motion. Rehabilitation exercises help prevent this, but if they’re started too late or skipped, stiffness can persist for months.
Malunion — when the bone heals in the wrong position — can result in crooked fingers or reduced function. While mild deformity may not always cause problems, more serious malalignment can interfere with gripping or typing. In some cases, corrective surgery is needed.
Nonunion, where the bone fails to heal, is rare but serious. This typically occurs due to inadequate stabilisation, poor blood supply, or infection. It usually requires surgical intervention and can significantly delay recovery.
Other possible complications include chronic pain, cold sensitivity, tendon adhesions, and arthritis, especially if the fracture involved a joint surface. These issues may affect long-term hand function, particularly in those whose jobs require manual dexterity.
Nerve damage is a concern in open fractures or crush injuries. If nerves are affected, symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness may persist even after the bone has healed.
Complications and Recovery from a Broken Finger
Psychological frustration can also arise, especially if the dominant hand is injured. Simple daily tasks like writing, eating, or using a phone become more difficult, and patients may struggle with independence during the healing phase.
Recovery from a broken finger generally takes 3 to 8 weeks for the bone to heal and an additional few weeks to regain full strength and function. The speed of recovery depends on the type of fracture, the person’s age and health, and how well rehabilitation is managed.
Managing complications and recovery from a broken finger requires commitment to the treatment plan, follow-up care, and timely intervention if any setbacks occur. With proper management, most people make a full recovery and return to normal hand use without limitations.
