Glenn D Cohen MD logo
Click Here for Appointment | (805) 370-6877

Broken (fractured) Fingers

Broken Fingers Doctor

I am a firm believer in a trial of conservative (non-operative) care prior to proceeding with a surgical procedure. Broken fingers can often be handled with immobilization; cases involving multiple fractures or displacement may require surgery.

Jeffrey from Camarillo had a broken finger that caused him worry and anxiety. He says "I called for an appointment and they immediately squeezed me in. I was treated so well by everyone. They are professional and caring." Read 100's of testimonials.

Talk to the Doctor

A fractured finger is one of the most common injuries seen in emergency rooms. Finger fractures are often trivialized by patients and physicians alike. Not all injuries can be wrapped, splinted and ignored. That is a recipe for disaster. Misdiagnosed or improperly managed fractures can be lead to persistent pain, deformity and a major interruption of normal routine. A broken finger can have serious consequences and should always be evaluated by an orthopedic hand specialist. Dr. Cohen specializes in disorders of the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow, and is uniquely qualified to evaluate and properly manage this type of injury. Click on each category below for more information. Feel free to contact us to be seen by Dr. Cohen. We are easily accessible to patients off the 101 freeway in Westlake Village.

The bones in the fingers are called phalanges. There are three bones in each finger: the proximal phalanx, the middle phalanx, and the distal phalanx, which is the tip of the finger. The thumb does not have the middle phalanx. Broken fingers are usually caused by traumatic injuries: a blow to the finger, a fall, a workplace accident, a sporting accident.


With most broken fingers, there is usually pain. However, in some cases there may still be some range of motion and a dull pain, depending on the type of fracture. Within five to ten minutes you may also notice swelling, bruising, stiffness, and in some cases, numbness. It is important to note that broken fingers don't read medical textbooks and they may have almost no symptoms. In general if you squeeze the bone and it hurts, it needs to be seen, regardless of swelling, bruising or motion.

X-rays are required to diagnose a broken finger.

The course of treatment for a broken finger can vary greatly depending on several factors:

  • The location of the break;
  • The number of fractures;
  • Whether or not there is displacement (the broken pieces have moved out of alignment).

Dr. Cohen will conduct a thorough physical examination, which will include x-rays in his office. Simple cases are usually handled with immobilization. More complicated breaks, such as those involving displacement, may require surgery.

Dr. Cohen is well-known for his conservative approach, and does not rush to surgery if non-surgical methods will lead to the proper outcome.

Read and listen (audio quotes), to what just a few of Dr. Cohen’s patients have said:

(Note: be sure to click on the "stop" button before starting a new audio comment)

Jeffrey from Camarillo visited Dr. Cohen with a broken finger that caused him great worry and anxiety. He was able to schedule an appointment quickly and was very pleased with the speedy care he received each time he arrived at the office. He has never before seen a doctor's office that is so well run. He feels that he is very fortunate to have chosen Dr. Cohen to perform his surgery and feels that both he and his staff are trained professionals. Without reservation, he recommends Dr. Cohen and his warm and authentic staff. He shares more about his visits in the audio recording below:


Jackson Kelley from Newbury Park had three broken fingers. Dr. Cohen helped him and he thinks Dr. Cohen is the best hand surgeon ever! Listen as he tells about his experience with Dr. Cohen's office:


(view 100's of related testimonials here)

Want to learn more about Broken Fingers? Here are some resources:

assh logo abos logo aaos logo lpw logo abos logo