What examinations should be performed for hand injuries?

Under normal circumstances, the main examinations for hand injuries include visual inspection, palpation, range of motion assessment, sensory function testing, and imaging studies. If a hand injury occurs, it is recommended to seek timely evaluation at a正规 medical facility to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. Specific details are as follows:

1. Visual Inspection

Observe the appearance of the hand to check for skin lacerations, bleeding, swelling, or deformities. For skin wounds, pay attention to depth, size, and degree of contamination. Deformities may indicate fractures or joint dislocations, allowing for an initial assessment of injury type and severity.

2. Palpation

Use fingers to gently touch the hand and assess skin temperature, location and intensity of tenderness, and presence of crepitus or abnormal movement. Reduced skin temperature may suggest impaired blood circulation; areas with significant tenderness often indicate the primary site of injury; crepitus or abnormal mobility is commonly associated with fractures.

3. Range of Motion Assessment

Ask the patient to actively or passively move their fingers and wrist joints to evaluate whether joint mobility is within normal limits. Limited joint movement may indicate tendon damage, joint injury, or fracture, requiring further evaluation to determine the exact location and extent of injury.

4. Sensory Function Testing

Use a needle prick or light touch with a cotton swab on the skin of the hand and ask the patient about sensations such as pain or numbness. Decreased or absent sensation in specific areas may indicate nerve damage, helping to determine the extent and severity of neural injury.

5. Imaging Studies

X-ray examination is commonly used; CT or MRI may be required when necessary. X-rays can clearly reveal fractures, dislocations, or retained foreign bodies, while CT and MRI provide more detailed visualization of soft tissue injuries—such as tendon or nerve damage—and help guide treatment planning.

After examination, it is important to protect the injured hand by avoiding pressure or re-injury, and to keep wounds clean and dry to prevent infection. In cases of fracture or tendon injury, immobilization should be performed as directed by a physician, with regular follow-up visits. Additionally, appropriate movement of uninjured joints is recommended to prevent muscle atrophy and joint stiffness.