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Thumb Fractures
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Thumb fractures / broken thumb?
Thumb fractures may either be sprains, dislocations or fractures. Thumb fractures or broken thumb are a serious condition which affects your ability to hold or grasp things and increases your chances for developing arthritis later in life.
The thumb is made up of two bones. The first bone, or the distal phalange, extends from the thumb’s tip to its knuckle while the second bone, the proximal phalange, extends from the knuckle to the thumb’s base. This is also the area of webbing between the thumb and the fore finger.
Top hand and wrist surgeon in Kenya at NSOC specializes in hand surgery, offers treatment for Thumb fractures , broken thumb and hand fracture in Nairobi, Kenya
Types of thumb fractures
Thumb fractures can occur anywhere on the thumb but the most serious breaks occur near the joints, mostly at the base of the thumb, close to the wrists.
There are different types of Thumb fractures and they are classified according to the region of break. Fractures may occur along the long bone or the metacarpal shaft of the thumb.
On the other hand, the Bennett and Rolando fractures occur at the base of the thumb and involve the joint between the metacarpal of the thumb and a wrist bone.
Fractures that occur at the joint are complicated and are difficult to treat. You can reduce the risk of Thumb fractures by using protective taping, padding, or other protective gears.
Causes and risk factors of Thumb fractures
Thumb fractures are usually the result of an accident. They mostly occur when you fall or when you pull a thumb back while catching a ball. Your thumb can also break from twisting or muscle contraction.
If you have a history of calcium deficiency or bone disease, you may be more prone to fractures in general, including Thumb fractures.
Thumb fractures may also be caused when you are involved in sports such as wrestling, hockey, and football.
Wearing the proper protective gear, such as gloves, padding, or taping, can help prevent thumb injuries in many sports.
How to diagnose Thumb fractures
Diagnosis of Thumb fractures is done by reviewing your medical history and performing a detailed examination of your thumb.
Your doctor will examine your thumb and test the range of motion at each of your joints. Your hand and wrist specialist will bend your thumb joints in different directions to determine if you have injured your ligaments.
X-rays are usually ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
To minimize movements of the injured thumb, till treatment is finalized, your doctor may recommend that you use a padded thumb splint.
Get on the right path to recovery
Typical treatment of Thumb fractures
Immediate first aid
If you suspect you have fractured your thumb, you can apply ice or cold water to the area to reduce swelling. Immobilization of your hand with a splint can help.
Keep your injured hand elevated above your heart. This helps to reduce swelling and bleeding, if any.
Don’t rely on these measures alone. If you suspect a fracture or sprain, these methods may help while you’re waiting for immediate medical attention.
Non-surgical treatment
If your broken bone fragments have not moved too far out of place, or if your fracture is in the middle of the bone shaft, your doctor may be able to set the bones without surgery. This is called closed reduction. It can be painful, so anesthesia may be used.
You’ll be set in a special cast, known as a spica cast, for six weeks to hold your thumb in place while your bone heals. The spica cast immobilizes your thumb by wrapping around your forearm and thumb.
When is surgical treatment needed?
Surgery is usually considered if nonsurgical treatment fails to provide relief.
Depending on the location of the fracture and the degree of displacement of the broken fragments your surgeon might suggest surgical treatment. This is to align the bones and to speed up the process of healing.
The techniques used may be internal fixation or external fixation. Internal fixation involves holding the fragmented pieces of the bones inside the body with the help of wire, pins, plates, and screws while external fixation involves supporting the fragments using pins held in place by an external device.
Recovery
After the surgery, a splint or a cast must be worn for about 4-6 weeks. If healing is confirmed with the help of imaging studies, physical therapy is recommended.
This is to restore stretchability and movement to the hand. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may take more than 3 months to use the hand as before.
One common physical therapy for the hand is the rubber ball exercise which can help to strengthen and increase flexibility in your thumb. It is done with the help of a small stress ball or a rubber ball just enough to fit into the palm of your hand.
