Ch. 12 Wrist and Hand Injuries
Carpal tunnel syndrome
A chronic condition caused by compression of the medial nerve where it runs through the carpal tunnel at the anterior aspect of the wrist.
Colles' fracture
A fracture of the radius and ulna whereby the limb bends into extension at the fracture site
Boxer's fracture
A fracture to the metacarpal region, specifically to the fourth or fifth metacarpal as a result of punching.
Ganglion cyst
A pocket fluid within the sheath of the wrist
Boutonniere deformity
A structural irregularity that is occurs at the PIP joint of the fingers. A hard impact over the PIP joint can cause a tear in the joint capsule, which will allow the extensor tendons to fall laterally. When the tendons are in the later position, they contract and force flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint.
Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)
An anatomical structure located at the medial aspect of the wrist that supports the carpal bones
de Quervain's tendinitis
An inflammation that affects the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis as they pass through the wrist
Gamekeeper's thumb
An injury to the MCL of the thumb
Jersey finger
An injury to the finger in which the flexor tendon tears from the fingertip
Mallet finger
An injury to the fingertip caused by impact that tears the extensor tendon from the bone. Fingertip flexion is the distinguishing feature of this injury
Describe the mechanism for injury for mallet finger. How should it be splinted?
Impact to the fingertip. The finger will be splinted into extension.
What are common methods of caring for wrist, hand, and finger injuries?
The common caring methods are so,I ting and using the PRICE method.
Avascular necrosis
The death of body tissue from lack of blood
Describe the mechanism for injury for gamekeeper's thumb. Why is it also known as skier's thumb?
The mechanism of injury is when the thumb is forcefully abducted. It is also known as skier's thumb because sometimes the thumb gets stuck in the ski pole and abducts.
What bone is located beneath the anatomical snuffbox?
The scaphoid bone.
How should jersey finger be splinted?
The way to splint it is to attach to another finger and wrap it and splint it so that it doesn't move.
