Problematic Pediatric Wrist and Hand Injuries

Despite the hand being the most commonly injured body part of children, most injuries of the wrist and hand require no intervention and heal without complication. However, there is an important subset of injuries, which can be problematic for the orthopedist if not identified and managed acutely. Encompassed within this group are (1) intraarticular fractures, (2) phalangeal neck fractures, (3) malrotated fractures, (4) scaphoid fractures, and (5) tendon injuries. With timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment as outlined within this article these injuries frequently have favorable outcomes. The focus is on diagnosis, treatment and potential complications in managing commonly missed injuries of the wrist and hand in children. The full scope of management is a subject for textbooks.