Hand Therapy – Volar Plate Injury

What is the volar plate?

The volar plate is a ligament which provides support to the middle joint of your finger; it stops the joint dislocating backwards or sideways, and assists with grip.

What is a volar plate injury?

A volar plate injury occurs when the joint is bent backwards in the wrong direction, leading to the volar plate being partially or fully torn away from the bone. Sometimes when damaged, it can tear off a small amount of the bone with it, known as an avulsion fracture.

What can I expect after a volar plate injury?

You will have:

• Swelling around the area of injury. This is normal and should reduce over time. Elevating your hand above your heart can reduce this.
• Pain, stiffness and bruising can be normal immediately after the injury. You can discuss this with your Hand Therapist.
• An appointment with the Hand Therapy Team within 1 week.

Most volar plate injuries do not need surgery and with physiotherapy provided by the Hand Therapy Team usually recover well.

What exercises can I do?

You should begin to move your fingers immediately although this may be painful. You can use your hand for light function (use) only and do not return to sport, until advised. At your first appointment with the Hand Therapist you will be given specific exercises that should be completed regularly.

How should I care for my splint?

You will be provided with 2 splints:

• A soft support for during the day which can be worn for up to 3 weeks.
• A plastic splint to wear at night only, to keep your injured finger straight. This is advised to be worn for up to 12 weeks.

You must:

• Keep the splint clean and dry – cover in a plastic bag for showering/bathing.
• Keep away from sources of heat.
• Clean the outside with baby wipes or a damp cloth.
• Not try to make alterations (changes) to your splint.

You may notice some rubbing or digging in. If this becomes red, dry or blistered you should contact your Hand Therapist. Please bring your splint to each hand therapy session.

When can I return to normal activities?

Your injured finger will take approximately 3 months to repair and be strong again. Your Hand Therapist will guide you through each stage of the healing process.

Contact numbers

If you need any further advice regarding;

• Your appointment with the consultant.
• The surgery you may have had.
• Your wound, dressing or cast.

Please contact your local Orthopaedic Outpatient Department.

University Hospital of North Tees

Orthopaedic Outpatient Department

Telephone: 01642 624 473

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm

Saturday 8:30am to 1:00pm

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Orthopaedic Outpatient Department

Telephone: 01429 522 590

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm

Hand Therapy

Please contact the Hand Therapy Team if:

• You have any concern or questions regarding your exercises.
• If your splint is rubbing, uncomfortable or damaged.

Hand Therapy Team

Telephone: 01429 522 471

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm

You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy

1st Floor, North Wing

University Hospital of North Tees

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]