Most common
Buddy Taping or Splinting
Stable, nondisplaced and acceptably aligned fractures may be treated without surgery while repeat examination or X-rays confirm that alignment is maintained.
Urgent orthopedic finger-fracture care
Finger Fracture Treatment & Hand Surgery in Atlanta
Prompt evaluation for broken fingers and phalanx fractures, with a focus on proper alignment, early motion and excellent hand therapy.
Most finger fractures do not require surgery—but they still require evaluation.
A finger can heal with rotation, stiffness or joint misalignment even when the fracture initially appears small. Early treatment protects long-term hand function.
Most treated without surgery
Alignment and rotation checks
Early finger mobilization
Structured hand therapy
Understanding the injury
What Is a Finger Fracture?
A finger fracture is a break in one of the phalanges, the small bones that form the fingers and thumb.
How Finger Fractures Occur
Finger fractures may result from a fall, direct blow, sports injury, crush injury, jammed finger or twisting mechanism.
Pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty moving the finger are common. A finger that appears crooked, shortened or crosses over another finger when making a fist may be displaced or rotated.
What We Evaluate
- Finger alignment and rotation
- Fracture displacement and stability
- Whether the fracture enters a joint
- Tendon function
- Skin injury or an open wound
- Ability to begin safe early motion
Good Alignment Is the First Priority
The finger must point in the correct direction and track normally when making a fist. Even a small rotational deformity can cause the fingers to overlap and interfere with grip, typing and fine motor function.
Treatment options
Most Finger Fractures Are Treated Without Surgery
Stable fractures with acceptable alignment can often heal with buddy taping, a splint or a small cast while motion begins at the appropriate time.
Selected unstable fractures
Pin Fixation
Small metal pins may stabilize a displaced or unstable fracture while limiting the amount of surgical exposure around the finger.
When direct fixation is needed
Plate or Screw Fixation
A small plate or screws may be used for selected displaced, joint-involving, long-oblique or comminuted fractures when stable alignment is needed.
Excellent Hand Therapy Is Often the Key to Recovery
Finger fractures can become stiff very quickly. Hand therapy may include frequent supervised motion, swelling control, scar management, tendon-gliding exercises and a customized splint.
The goal is not simply to make the bone heal. The goal is to restore smooth finger motion, tendon function, grip and hand use without allowing the fracture to shift.
Early mobilization
Stable Alignment Allows Earlier Motion
Finger stiffness can become a larger problem than the fracture itself if movement is delayed too long.
Why Early Motion Matters
- Reduces joint stiffness
- Helps tendons continue gliding
- Limits scar adhesion
- Improves grip and dexterity
- Supports earlier return to daily hand use
Motion Must Still Be Safe
Moving too aggressively can displace an unstable fracture. Immobilizing too long can create permanent stiffness.
Whether the fracture is treated with a splint, pins, screws or a plate, the rehabilitation plan is designed around fracture stability and the exact finger structures involved.
Recovery stages
Protect Alignment While Restoring Motion
Early phase
Control Swelling
Elevate the hand, use the splint as directed and move uninvolved joints when allowed.
As stability allows
Begin Hand Therapy
Controlled exercises focus on motion, tendon gliding and prevention of stiffness.
Later recovery
Restore Strength
Grip, pinch and heavier hand use return gradually after healing and motion are dependable.
Local orthopedic finger-fracture care
Finger Fracture Treatment Serving Atlanta, Decatur, Snellville, Loganville and the Metro Region
Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists provides urgent orthopedic evaluation, nonsurgical treatment, pinning and fixation for finger and phalanx fractures.
Atlanta
Decatur
Snellville
Loganville
Fulton County
DeKalb County
Gwinnett County
Walton County
Tell our scheduling team that you have a confirmed or suspected finger fracture. Bring your imaging disc, radiology report and emergency-room or urgent-care paperwork. We make every reasonable effort to evaluate acute fractures quickly.
Finger fracture FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every finger fracture require surgery?
No. Most stable, nondisplaced and acceptably aligned finger fractures can be treated with buddy taping, a splint or a small cast.
Why does finger rotation matter?
A rotated finger can cross over the neighboring finger when making a fist and interfere with grip, typing and fine hand function.
When are pins used?
Pins may be used when a fracture is displaced or unstable but can be held in alignment with minimally invasive fixation.
When is a plate or screw fixation used?
A small plate or screws may be used for selected displaced, long-oblique, comminuted or joint-involving fractures when stable fixation is needed.
Why is hand therapy so important?
Finger joints and tendons become stiff quickly. Structured hand therapy helps restore motion, tendon gliding, grip and dexterity while protecting the healing fracture.
How soon does finger motion begin?
Motion begins as soon as the fracture is stable enough. The timing depends on the fracture pattern, treatment selected and any tendon or joint injury.
Do Not Let a Broken Finger Heal Crooked or Become Permanently Stiff
Call Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists for prompt evaluation of finger alignment, rotation and stability—and a clear plan for splinting, fixation and hand therapy.
This page provides general educational information and does not replace an examination, imaging review or individualized medical advice. Seek emergency care for an open wound, visible bone, severe deformity, pale or cold fingers, rapidly worsening numbness, uncontrolled pain or major trauma.