Hand

The function of the hand is to grip, grasp and form precise movements, e.g. writing and sewing. The evolution of bipedalism (walking on two limbs) caused unique evolution of the hand and enabled it to perform highly complex functions which the closest relatives of humans, the apes, cannot perform.

The signs and symptoms of broken hand are as below:

• Severe pain that might worsen when gripping or squeezing or moving the affected hand
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Obvious deformity, such as a crooked finger
• Stiffness or inability to move fingers or thumb
• Numbness in hand or fingers

The complications of broken hand are usually rare and include:

• Stiffness, pain or disability. 
• Osteoarthritis. Fractures that extend into a joint can cause arthritis years later
• Nerve or blood vessel damage. Trauma to the hand can injure adjacent nerves and blood vessels.

The function of the hand is to precisely grip and perform the intricate functions. The grasping power is also strong in humans when compared to apes because the thumb is in opposition of other fingers. Also the thumb is larger when compared to the other fingers and the palm.

Hammer grip- This grip is formed by bending all of the fingers into the palm, and bending of the thumb, to lie outside the palm. 

Baseball batter grip- both hands hold the cylindrical object with thumb lying outside the gripped hand

Precision grip (tip to tip)- The tip to tip connection of the fingers is caused by bending of the fingers, with bending and opposition of the thumb to touch the tip of the finger with the thumb

Lateral Prehension

Key grip- it involves the thumb and the fingers middle bone to hold the object mostly the key.

Hook grip- All the finger take part except the thumb is usually not involved eg holding a bag handle

Tripod (pen) grip- the thumb index finger and the middle finger come together to hold the object.

The types of hand injuries are as below:

• Severed fingertips
• Finger and hand fractures
• Wrist fractures
• Tendon injuries

Below are some of the ways which will help to prevent the injuries of the hand as below:

• Avoiding fine motor or heavyweight works after having antihistaminic or other similar medications
• Concentrating on the work while using sharp tools
• Being careful on slippery surfaces so that you don’t fall with the palms open

• Numbness
• Swelling
• Color changes
• Pain
• Drainage
• Unusual position
• Continued inability to move
• Difficulty or pain with motion

When the ligaments of the hand or specifically the wrist are stretched beyond their limits, that which happens when a person falls with an outstretched hand, or get torn, wrist/hand sprain occurs. The recovery usually takes quite a long time as the ligaments are not very richly supplied with blood.

If the extensor tendons are damaged, it will be difficult to straighten one or more fingers. If the flexor tendons are damaged, it would be difficult to bend one or more fingers. Tendon damage can also cause pain and swelling (inflammation) in your hand.

The most common signs of a flexor tendon injury include:

• An open injury, such as a cut, on the palm side of your hand, often where the skin folds as the finger bends
• An inability to bend one or more joints of your finger
• Pain when your finger is bent
• Tenderness along your finger on the palm side of your hand
• Numbness in your fingertip

Symptoms of Extensor Tendon Injuries

• Inability to straighten the fingers or extend the wrist.
• Pain and swelling in fingertip.
• Recent trauma or laceration to the hand.
• Drooping of the end joint of the finger.

Hand surgery covers many different types of procedures.

Hand reconstructive surgery may be done for many reasons, including:

• Hand injuries
• Rheumatic diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, that change and damage the structures in the hand
• Degenerative changes to the structures in the hand
• Problems or defects of the hand that are present at birth, or congenital
• Infections of the hand

A variety of problems can cause stiff hands, limiting the use and function that we often take for granted. Some of these problems may include:

• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Trigger finger- is a common condition and can cause a stiff finger.  swelling, from any number of causes, the tendon can catch at the opening of the tunnel through which it slides.
• Dupuytrens contracture- causes a contracture or bending of the fingers into the palm.
• Bad sprains