Hand Therapy – Phalanx Fracture

What is a Proximal Phalanx Fracture?

Your finger is made up of small bones called phalanxes. There are three phalanxes in the fingers and two in the thumb. If you fracture/break one of these bones, you have a phalanx fracture. Phalanx fractures of the hand are usually the result of a direct trauma, a crush or twisting injury.

What are the symptoms?

Most patients will have pain, swelling, bruising, deformity or rotation of the finger. This may result in a loss of movement and function in the hand.

How will my fracture be treated?

Treatment may vary depending on the location of the fracture and may involve surgery, manipulation or conservative treatment (managed without surgery). If managed conservatively you may be advised to use buddy strapping, to tape the injured finger to the finger next to it. This may be done using tape or you may be supplied with a Bedford Splint (elasticated double finger splint).

Buddy strapping can be used on its own in a simple phalanx fracture. It protects the injured finger while allowing you to move the finger to prevent stiffness.

Depending on the severity of your fracture, a thermoplastic splint may be made for you to protect your joint and promote healing.

Can I use my hand?

For the first three weeks, the hand should only be used for light tasks. The bone will not be strong enough for heavy tasks. Contact sports, particularly boxing, should be avoided until 12 weeks after the injury.

Will I need to do any exercises?

It is important to start exercising the fingers straight away, even if this is uncomfortable, this will help prevent stiffness and reduce swelling.

There are also important structures that lie close to the fracture site. One of these are the tendons that bend and straighten your fingers. If you do not move your injured finger, the tendons can become stuck to the bone, reducing overall movement.

The exercise below should be carried out 4 to 5 times a day. They are to increase your range of movement in your finger. This will help reduce the risk of stiffness and loss of function.

Keeping your knuckles straight, bend your fingers to make a hook fist. Then from this position, roll your fingers into your palm to make a full fist. Return to the starting position.

Bend your knuckles, keeping the fingers straight. Then bend your middle knuckles so that your finger tips touch your palm. Return to the starting position.

Repetition: x10   Hold: 10seconds   Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

LIGHT (6 weeks)

• Washing/Shaving/Make-Up
• Putting on light clothes
• Fastening zips/buttons
• Combing hair
• Tying shoelaces
• Reading newspaper
• Playing cards
• Using phone
• Handling money
• Using remote control
• Writing and typing
• Dusting
• Switching on light switch

MEDIUM (8 weeks)

• Sweeping up
• Unscrewing jars/tins
• Hanging washing out
• Ring pull can opening
• Using a knife/fork/spoon but not cutting meat
• Holding a pint of liquid or a cup of tea
• Using scissors
• Using a towel
• Opening and closing door handles
• Using key to open door
• Driving
• Putting on socks
• Reading a book

HEAVY (12 weeks)

• Hand washing or wringing out clothes
• Using a knife Gardening
• Carrying shopping
• Lifting boxes
• Ironing
• Cooking and lifting pans and kettle
• Making bed
• Vacuuming
• Lifting children
• Lifting heavy objects
• Cleaning car
• Decorating
• Sports – gold/swimming/gym/cycling/running/football/rugby/etc.

Contact Details

Please contact Hand Therapy if you have any concerns or questions, or if your splint is rubbing or is uncomfortable.

Contact details are:

Hand Therapy – North Tees
First Floor, North Wing
Telephone: 01429 522471
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Email: [email protected]

Hand Therapy – Hartlepool
Physiotherapy Outpatients Department, Ground Floor
Telephone: http://01429 522471
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Email: [email protected]

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]