[Fractures of the hand skeleton].

The complex anatomical conditions of the hand pose special problems for fracture treatment. On the one hand length and axes as well as rotation of the fractured bones have to be reestablished in order to prevent functional impairment. On the other hand operative possibilities are limited by the overlying vessels, nerves and tendons. Certain types of fractures are successfully treated by conservative means. Disadvantages are the long time of immobilisation and sometimes clumsy bandages. Other types of fractures require operative treatment in order to accomplish correct reduction. In addition stable internal fixation may reduce the time of immobilisation, but the surgical trauma and bulky implants may deteriorate functional results.