Hand Injuries After a Car Accident: Causes and Recovery Tips

Q: Hand Injuries After a Car Accident: Causes and Recovery Tips

Hello： The wrist joint is a complex joint formed by multiple bones and the radius and ulna. <br>Injuries often leave varying degrees of sequelae. <br>The possibilities you mentioned do exist, and treatment will depend on your symptoms. <br>A tear of the triangular fibrocartilage

In a car accident, I sprained my hand?

Last year, I had a car accident that resulted in a wrist sprain.
The doctor confirmed that the bones were fine.
For the first two months, I underwent electrical therapy and topical treatments with traditional Chinese medicine, which helped me recover to about 60%, after which I stopped.
I then went to a martial arts clinic for a month of massage therapy, but there was no progress.
I switched to a hospital for electrical therapy and paraffin treatment for two months, which only improved my condition to about 70%, and the results seemed limited.
Finally, I changed to acupuncture and medicated patches at another hospital for two months, which seemed to make a difference, bringing my recovery to about 80%.
My ring finger seems to have lost its numbness, but my little finger still experiences numbness.
I will have an MRI scan on September 25 to further evaluate my condition.
I have undergone wrist X-rays (in five different angles), cervical X-rays (which showed no abnormalities), and nerve conduction studies of the hand (which indicated slight delay at the elbow).

The doctor's assessment includes: periostitis, tendinitis, soft tissue injury, cartilage injury, and a 0.1 cm gap between the ulnar and radial bones at the wrist.
I personally suspect that the initial ice application was insufficient, leading to ligament laxity or triangular fibrocartilage displacement.

Currently, only my little finger experiences numbness, and when severe, squeezing the tip of my little finger causes some pain.
I cannot hold heavy objects (about 20 kg) for extended periods, and I can only support my palm on the ground for no more than 12 minutes.
I can wring a towel only to 90% dryness, and when I make a fist, my little finger feels slightly uncomfortable.
I kindly ask the physician for clarification on the possible causes of my symptoms, what further examinations are necessary, what precautions I should take, and how long it might take for me to recover.
Thank you.

Chen Dingcheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/08/26

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics

Hello: The wrist joint is a complex joint formed by multiple bones and the radius and ulna.
Injuries often leave varying degrees of sequelae.
The possibilities you mentioned do exist, and treatment will depend on your symptoms.
A tear of the triangular fibrocartilage may require surgery, while other conditions can be managed with rehabilitation.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2013/08/26

More Info

After a car accident, hand injuries can be quite complex and may involve various structures such as bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Based on your description, it appears that you have experienced a combination of soft tissue injuries, possibly including tendonitis and inflammation of the periosteum (the connective tissue surrounding bones). The presence of a gap between the ulna and radius, as well as the symptoms of numbness in your little finger, suggests that there may be some underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
1. Soft Tissue Injuries: The injuries you sustained may have caused inflammation in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding your wrist and hand. This can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.

2. Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the wrist can occur due to repetitive strain or acute injury. This could explain the pain and difficulty with gripping or lifting objects.

3. Nerve Compression: The numbness in your little finger could indicate compression of the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inner side of the arm and into the hand. This can happen due to swelling or inflammation in the wrist area.

4. Joint Issues: The gap between the ulna and radius might suggest a misalignment or instability in the wrist joint, which can contribute to pain and functional limitations.

Recommended Diagnostic Tests
1. MRI: An MRI can provide detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. This can help identify any tears or significant injuries that may not be visible on X-rays.

2. Ultrasound: This imaging technique can be useful for assessing soft tissue injuries and can help visualize tendon and ligament integrity.

3. Nerve Conduction Studies: Since you are experiencing numbness, further evaluation of nerve function may be warranted to assess for any nerve damage or compression.

Recovery Tips
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured physical therapy program can significantly aid recovery. A physical therapist can provide exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. They can also employ modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.

2. Activity Modification: Avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms, particularly those that involve heavy lifting or repetitive wrist movements. Gradually reintroduce activities as tolerated.

3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) can help manage pain and swelling. However, consult with your doctor before starting any medication.

4. Ergonomic Adjustments: If you are using your hands for work or hobbies, consider ergonomic tools or techniques to minimize strain on your wrist.

5. Gradual Strengthening: Once the acute pain subsides, focus on strengthening exercises for the wrist and hand. This can include resistance bands or light weights, but ensure that you do not push through pain.

6. Regular Follow-ups: Keep in touch with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress. If symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary.

Prognosis
Recovery from hand injuries can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program. Given that you have made some progress, it is encouraging, but it is essential to continue with appropriate care. With diligent rehabilitation and proper management, many individuals can expect to regain significant function in their hands and wrists. However, the timeline for recovery can range from several weeks to several months, depending on the specific injuries involved.

In conclusion, it is crucial to remain proactive in your recovery process. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations, engage in physical therapy, and be patient with your healing journey. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice.

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