Hand injuries can be caused by striking the interior of a vehicle or by being struck by a deploying airbag.  Airbags can cause a fracture or dislocation of the thumbs or fingers.  A sufficiently severe impact can cause fractures at or near the knuckles of a person gripping the steering wheel during a collision.  Ligament tears or strains are also common, as are dislocation of fingers or thumbs.  

 

Hand injuries are usually treated conservatively with immobilization, stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as physiotherapy.  In more severe cases, you may need to be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon and be treated surgically.  In the worst case, you may require the insertion of pins, wires or plates if there are multiple fractures in your hand.

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