PLATE XLI
Skiagram of Fracture of the Proximal Phalanx of the Ring Finger. (Wharton.)
FRACTURES OF THE WRIST AND HAND.
Fractures of the carpal bones seldom occur, except when the parts have been crushed. The scaphoid is, however, broken much more often, and doubtless many cases of so-called severe sprain include this injury. The use of the x-rays has done more to teach the relative frequency of carpal fractures than was ever previously appreciated. The scaphoid ossifies by two centres, which do not appear until the eighth year. When the bone has been thus cracked the usual signs of sprain are present, which subside and leave a tender wrist and hand whose fingers can be normally moved, but whose wrist movements are reduced one-half, while attempts at motion beyond these limits produce great muscle spasm and pain. Codman and Chase[40] have shown that the sheaths of the radial extensor tendons are in close relation to the periosteum of the bone at this point, as well as to that of the radius, so that by injury here blood may escape into the sheath without appearing at other parts; the result being a tense, fluctuating, triangular swelling over the radial half of the wrist, the blood being effused so deeply as not to discolor, or at least not at first. They regard the presence of such an engorged bursa as diagnostic of fracture either of the radius or the scaphoid.
[40] Annals of Surgery, March, 1905.
While carpal fractures call ordinarily for treatment by absolute rest, Codman and Chase have advised removal of any loose fragment, especially of the scaphoid, by incision along the back of the wrist just to the inner side of the long radial extensor. The annular ligament is to be divided between it and the long extensors of the fingers, and without opening tendon sheaths; inasmuch as this ligament does not retract when divided its borders must be held apart. In this way the joint may be completely exposed over the proximal half of the scaphoid. The line of fracture being made out, a blunt hook is introduced into the fissure and the fragment elevated, loosened by a tenotome, and removed, its removal seeming nowise to interfere with the function of the whole bone or the usefulness of the wrist.
The metacarpal bones are frequently broken, usually as the result of violence, the distal portions suffering more than the proximal. The diagnosis is best made with the fingers closed, when any lack of symmetry in the row of knuckles may be seen or any protrusion of a fragment noted. Here the x-rays are useful. Such injury should be treated by placing the hand upon a palmar splint extending well up the forearm and maintaining rest by suitable pressure, with or without traction upon the finger of the bone involved. For this purpose adhesive plaster may be passed up and down the finger and attached to an elastic band which is fixed to the end of the splint.
The same is true of fractures of the phalanges, which are often made compound by the injury. Here the danger is not so much to the bone as to the tendon sheaths or thecæ, along which infection may easily spread. Widespread and prolonged suppuration might disable a hand thus injured unless properly and promptly dressed. Ordinarily adjoining fingers can be utilized for splints, and if the outstretched hand be fastened upon a palmar splint and the injured finger kept in position by its neighbors a good result can generally be obtained. Occasionally distinct splints for one or more fingers are required, and occasionally also the suggestion made above with regard to traction may need to be enforced.