Case Studies

Ethan

Age: 12
Finger Fracture
Accidents happen

Accidents happen

Ethan was playing around with his friends at school during sport, when he managed to get his left hand fingers pulled back to the point where they “really hurt!” When the pain didn’t subside, Ethan’s Mum took him to their local hospital emergency department. An x-ray revealed a small fracture at the base of his first phalanx on his left little finger. Ethan was then placed in a fibreglass cast (forearm-based), which did look very impressive to his mates!

Hand Works to the rescue

After one week, Ethan was struggling with the weight of his cast and the inconvenience of not being able to get it wet - especially during summer when everyone was either going to the beach, or swimming in the pool! Recommended to Hand Works by a friend, Ethan was soon rid of his bulky cast and fitted with a much smaller and more comfortable Thermoplastic splint. Ethan’s original cast was removed and his hand therapist treated his injury by completing clinical assessments including: x-ray observation, oedema (swelling), pain, digit active range of movement and his day to day function restrictions.

Hand Works to the rescue
Ethan's Treatment

Ethan's Treatment

Ethan's therapist then measured, cut and heated the Thermoplastic material to create a hand-based ulnar gutter splint including PIP joints (proximal interphalangeal joints), to ensure his little and ring fingers were well supported. Ethan was advised to wear his splint continually for the next three weeks and his therapist taught him how to look after his splint hygiene and precautions whilst his hand was healing.

Ethan left Hand Works with a huge smile on his face and was back to his usual activities in no time!