What are the symptoms of a broken toe. Broken Toe: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Guide
What are the signs of a broken toe. How long does it take for a broken toe to heal. What are the best home remedies for a broken toe. When should you seek medical attention for a toe injury.
Identifying a Broken Toe: Key Symptoms and Signs
Recognizing the symptoms of a broken toe is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. While it’s not always easy to distinguish between a broken and bruised toe, there are several telltale signs to watch for:
- Severe pain, especially when walking or putting pressure on the affected toe
- Swelling and redness around the injured area
- Bruising or discoloration
- Difficulty moving the toe
- A visible deformity or misalignment
- A grinding sensation when attempting to move the toe
Is it possible to walk with a broken toe? While you may be able to walk, it’s often painful and can exacerbate the injury. It’s best to avoid putting weight on the affected foot as much as possible during the initial healing phase.
Home Treatment Options for a Broken Toe
In many cases, a broken toe can be effectively treated at home, especially if it’s a minor fracture. Here are some recommended steps for at-home care:
- Rest and elevate the foot to reduce swelling
- Apply ice packs wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes every few hours
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- “Buddy tape” the injured toe to an adjacent toe for support
- Wear comfortable, wide-toed shoes with a low heel
How long should you keep a broken toe taped? Generally, it’s recommended to keep the toe taped for about 4-6 weeks or until the pain subsides. However, it’s important to check with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Toe Injury
While many broken toes can be treated at home, some situations require immediate medical attention:
- The big toe is injured or appears misaligned
- There’s an open wound or the bone is protruding
- Severe pain persists despite home treatment
- You heard a snapping or popping sound during the injury
- You have diabetes or poor circulation
- Signs of infection develop, such as fever or increased redness
Should you go to the emergency room for a broken toe? If you experience any of the above symptoms or if the pain is unbearable, it’s advisable to seek immediate medical care at an urgent care center or emergency room.
Professional Treatment Methods for Broken Toes
When home treatment isn’t sufficient, healthcare providers may recommend more advanced treatment options:
- X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the fracture
- Reduction, a procedure to realign the broken bone
- Casting or splinting for more severe fractures
- Surgical intervention in cases of complex fractures or when the bone fails to heal properly
Can a doctor do anything for a broken toe? Yes, medical professionals can provide more comprehensive treatment, especially for severe fractures or complications. They can also offer pain management strategies and monitor the healing process to ensure proper recovery.
Recovery Timeline and Expectations
The healing time for a broken toe can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s overall health. Generally, you can expect:
- Minor fractures to heal within 4-6 weeks
- More severe fractures may take 6-8 weeks or longer
- Gradual return to normal activities as pain and swelling subside
- Possible residual stiffness or discomfort for several months
How can you speed up the healing process of a broken toe? While there’s no way to drastically accelerate bone healing, you can support the process by following your treatment plan, maintaining a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and avoiding activities that stress the injured toe.
Preventing Toe Injuries: Safety Tips and Precautions
While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of toe injuries:
- Wear appropriate footwear for your activities
- Keep living areas clear of clutter to prevent tripping
- Use caution when moving heavy objects
- Strengthen your feet and ankles through exercises
- Be mindful of uneven surfaces when walking or running
Are some people more prone to toe injuries? Individuals with certain medical conditions like osteoporosis or peripheral neuropathy may be at higher risk. Additionally, athletes and those who frequently engage in high-impact activities may experience toe injuries more often.
Long-Term Effects and Potential Complications
While most broken toes heal without long-term consequences, some potential complications can arise:
- Chronic pain or stiffness in the affected toe
- Arthritis in the injured joint
- Deformity if the toe doesn’t heal properly
- Nail bed injuries leading to abnormal nail growth
Can a broken toe cause problems later in life? In some cases, particularly if not properly treated, a broken toe can lead to ongoing issues such as altered gait or increased risk of future injuries. It’s important to follow through with recommended treatments and follow-up care to minimize these risks.
Special Considerations for Athletes and Active Individuals
For those who lead active lifestyles or participate in sports, a broken toe can be particularly disruptive. Here are some considerations:
- Gradual return to activities under medical guidance
- Possible need for protective gear or modified footwear during recovery
- Importance of complete healing before resuming high-impact activities
- Potential for performance impacts if proper healing isn’t achieved
How soon can you return to sports after a broken toe? The timeline varies depending on the severity of the injury and the specific demands of your sport. It’s crucial to work closely with healthcare providers and trainers to develop a safe return-to-play plan.
Myths and Misconceptions About Broken Toes
There are several common misconceptions about broken toes that can lead to improper care:
- Myth: You can’t break a toe.
- Fact: Toes can and do break, often from stubbing or dropping heavy objects on them.
- Myth: If you can walk on it, it’s not broken.
- Fact: It’s possible to walk with some types of toe fractures, but this doesn’t mean the toe isn’t broken.
- Myth: Broken toes always require a cast.
- Fact: Many broken toes can be treated with buddy taping and rest.
Is it true that doctors can’t do anything for a broken toe? This is a common misconception. While it’s true that many broken toes can be treated at home, doctors can provide valuable care, especially for more severe fractures or when complications arise.
The Role of Proper Footwear in Recovery and Prevention
Choosing the right footwear is crucial both for recovering from a broken toe and preventing future injuries:
- Wide toe boxes to accommodate swelling and bandages
- Low heels to reduce pressure on the toes
- Sturdy soles for protection and support
- Breathable materials to prevent moisture buildup
What type of shoes should you wear with a broken toe? Opt for roomy, comfortable shoes with a firm sole. Avoid high heels, tight-fitting shoes, or open-toed footwear that doesn’t provide adequate protection.
Nutritional Support for Bone Healing
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in bone healing. Consider incorporating these nutrients into your diet:
- Calcium: Found in dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods
- Vitamin D: Obtained through sunlight exposure and foods like fatty fish and egg yolks
- Protein: Essential for tissue repair and found in lean meats, beans, and nuts
- Vitamin C: Supports collagen formation and is abundant in citrus fruits and bell peppers
Can dietary changes speed up bone healing? While no food can miraculously heal bones, a balanced diet rich in these nutrients can support the body’s natural healing processes and potentially improve recovery times.
Managing Pain and Discomfort During Recovery
Dealing with pain is a significant aspect of recovering from a broken toe. Here are some strategies to manage discomfort:
- Follow the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Try gentle range-of-motion exercises as pain allows
- Consider alternative pain management techniques like acupuncture or mindfulness meditation
Is it normal for a broken toe to throb at night? Yes, it’s common for pain to intensify at night due to increased blood flow to the injured area when lying down. Elevating the foot and using ice before bedtime can help alleviate this discomfort.
The Importance of Follow-Up Care
Even if your broken toe seems to be healing well, follow-up care is crucial for ensuring proper recovery:
- Attend all scheduled appointments with healthcare providers
- Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly
- Follow rehabilitation guidelines to regain strength and flexibility
- Be patient with the healing process and avoid rushing back to normal activities
How often should you have a broken toe re-examined? This depends on the severity of the fracture and your individual healing progress. Your healthcare provider will establish an appropriate follow-up schedule, typically involving check-ups every few weeks until full healing is achieved.
Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Recovery
The impact of a broken toe isn’t just physical; it can also affect your emotional well-being:
- Frustration with limited mobility and independence
- Anxiety about the healing process or potential complications
- Depression related to changes in routine or ability to participate in favorite activities
How can you cope with the emotional challenges of recovering from a toe injury? Stay connected with friends and family, engage in enjoyable activities that don’t strain your injury, and consider speaking with a mental health professional if you’re struggling to adjust.
Advances in Toe Fracture Treatment
Medical advancements continue to improve the treatment of broken toes:
- 3D-printed casts and splints for improved comfort and fit
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques for complex fractures
- Advanced imaging technologies for more accurate diagnosis
- Bone stimulation devices to potentially accelerate healing
What new treatments are on the horizon for toe fractures? Research is ongoing in areas such as bioengineered materials for bone repair and gene therapies to enhance healing. While many of these technologies are still in development, they hold promise for improving outcomes in the future.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Recovery
Physical therapy can play a crucial role in recovering from a broken toe, especially for more severe injuries or in cases where complications arise:
- Exercises to improve range of motion and flexibility
- Strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle
- Gait training to ensure proper walking mechanics
- Manual therapy techniques to address soft tissue restrictions
When should you start physical therapy after a broken toe? The timing depends on the nature of your injury and your doctor’s recommendations. In some cases, therapy may begin as early as a few weeks after the injury, while in others, it may be delayed until the bone has significantly healed.
Broken toe – NHS
A broken toe can be painful, but you do not usually need to go to hospital. There are things you can do to treat it at home.
Check if you have a broken toe
You may have broken your toe if it’s:
- red or bruised
- painful and swollen
- difficult to walk on
Information:
Do not worry if you’re not sure if it’s broken or just bruised, treatment is usually the same for both.
Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if:
- you have a bad cut or wound after injuring your toe
- you have severe toe pain
- your child has hurt or broken their toe
You may need further treatment in hospital, such as a boot, cast or surgery.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
You could also go to your nearest urgent treatment centre.
What we mean by severe pain
- Severe pain:
- always there and so bad it’s hard to think or talk
- you cannot sleep
- it’s very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
- Moderate pain:
- always there
- makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
- you can manage to get up, wash or dress
- Mild pain:
- comes and goes
- is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities
Immediate action required: Go to A&E if:
- you think you have broken your big toe
- your toe is pointing out at an odd angle
- the bone is sticking out of your toe
- there was a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of injury
- you feel tingling in your toe or foot or it feels numb
If you cannot get to A&E by yourself, call 999 for an ambulace.
What you can do about a broken toe
Doctors will usually suggest you treat a broken toe at home first if:
- it’s not your big toe
- the bone is not sticking out of your foot
- your toe is not pointing at an odd angle
- there’s no wound on your toe
Broken toes usually heal within 4 to 6 weeks, but it can sometimes take several months.
Do
take ibuprofen or paracetamol for the pain and swelling
rest your foot and keep it raised
hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your toe for up to 20 minutes every few hours
wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel
avoid walking around as much as possible
strap up your broken toe – put a small piece of cotton wool or gauze between your sore toe and the toe next to it, then tape them together to support the sore toe
Don’t
do not strap up your toe if it’s pointing out at an odd angle or you have hurt your big toe – get medical advice
do not put ice directly on your skin
do not walk or stand for long periods
do not wear tight, pointy shoes
do not play any sports like football, rugby or hockey for 6 weeks or until the pain eases
do not try to treat your child’s toe – take them to an urgent treatment centre or A&E
A pharmacist can help with a broken toe
You can ask a pharmacist about:
- the best painkiller to take
- what you need to strap up your toe
- if you need to see a GP
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- pain and swelling has not started to ease 2 to 3 days after you injured your toe
- it still hurts to walk 6 weeks after injuring your toe
- you have diabetes and have injured your toe – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes
They may send you for an X-ray to see if you need any further treatment.
Page last reviewed: 06 May 2022
Next review due: 06 May 2025
Broken Toe: Symptoms, Recovery, and More
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Learning to recognize the symptoms and treatment of a broken toe is important. If a broken toe is left untreated, it can lead to problems that may affect your ability to walk and run.
If you’ve ever stubbed your toe hard, the immediate, severe pain can leave you wondering if your toe is broken. In many cases, the injury winds up being a sprain. This is painful, but it means the bone itself is still intact.
If the toe bone breaks into one or more pieces, then you have a broken toe.
A poorly treated broken toe may also leave you in a lot of pain.
Throbbing pain in the toe is the first sign that it may be broken. You may also hear the bone break at the time of injury. A broken bone, also called a fracture, may also cause swelling at the break.
If you’ve broken your toe, the skin near the injury may looked bruised or temporarily change color. You’ll also have difficulty putting any weight on your toe. Walking, or even just standing, can be painful. A bad break can also dislocate the toe, which can cause it to rest at an unnatural angle.
A sprained toe shouldn’t look dislocated. It will still swell, but will likely have less bruising. A sprained toe may be painful for several days, but should then begin to improve.
One other key difference between a break and a sprain is the location of the pain. Usually a break will hurt right where the bone has fractured. With a sprain, the pain may be felt in a more general area around the toe.
The only way to tell for sure if the injury is a break or a sprain is to see your doctor. They can examine your toe and determine the type of injury.
The two most common causes of a broken toe are stubbing it into something hard or having something heavy land on it. Going barefoot is a major risk factor, especially if you’re walking in the dark or in an unfamiliar environment.
If you carry heavy objects without proper foot protection, such as thick boots, you’re also at a higher risk for a broken toe.
A broken toe can usually be diagnosed with the use of an X-ray. If the pain and discoloration don’t ease up after a few days, you should definitely see your doctor.
A broken toe that doesn’t heal properly could lead to osteoarthritis, a painful condition that causes chronic pain in one or more joints.
Your doctor will examine your toe and ask for your medical history. Tell your doctor as many details as you can about the injury and your symptoms. Be sure to tell your doctor if you notice a loss of feeling or tingling in your toe. This could be a sign of nerve damage.
If there’s a chance the toe is broken, your doctor will likely want to get one or more X-rays of the injured toe. Getting images from different angles is important to understand the extent of the break.
Information from the X-ray will also help your doctor decide whether surgery is necessary.
With most cases of a broken toe, there’s little your doctor can do. It’s mostly up to you to rest your toe and keep it stable.
Even before you know whether your toe is broken, you should ice the injured toe and keep it elevated. You may also take over-the-counter painkillers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).
If you have surgery to repair the toe, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medicines.
Splinting your toe
Typical treatment for a broken toe is called “buddy taping.” This involves taking the broken toe and carefully securing it to the toe next to it with medical tape. Usually, a gauze pad is placed between the toes to prevent skin irritation.
The non-broken toe is basically used as a splint to help keep the broken toe from moving too much. By taping the broken toe to its neighbor, you give the injured toe the support it needs to begin healing.
Surgery and additional treatment options
More serious breaks may require additional treatment. If you have bone fragments in the toe that need to heal, taping may not be enough.
You may be advised to wear a walking cast. This helps keep the injured toe stable while also giving your foot enough support to reduce some of the pain you may have while walking.
In very serious cases, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bone or bones. A surgeon can sometimes put a pin or a screw into the bone to help it heal properly. These pieces of hardware will remain in the toe permanently.
Your toe is likely to be tender and swollen, even after a few weeks. You’ll likely need to avoid running, playing sports, or walking long distances for one to two months after your injury.
Recovery time can be longer if the break is in one of the metatarsals. The metatarsals are the longer bones in the foot that connect to the phalanges, which are the smaller bones in the toes.
Your doctor can give you a good estimate of recovery time based on the severity and location of your injury. A mild fracture, for example, should heal faster than a more severe break.
With a walking cast, you should be able to walk and resume most non-strenuous activities within a week or two after injuring your toe. The pain should diminish gradually if the bone is healing properly.
If you feel any pain in your broken toe, stop the activity that’s causing the pain and tell your doctor.
The key to a good outcome is following through on your doctor’s advice. Learn how to tape your toe properly so you can change the tape regularly.
Carefully try to put more pressure on your broken toe each day to see how it’s recovering. Take any slight improvements in pain and discomfort as signs that your injury is healing.
Here are some things you can do to improve your recovery.
Footwear
You may temporarily need a bigger or wider shoe to accommodate your swollen foot. Consider getting a shoe with a hard sole and a lightweight top that will put less pressure on the injured toe, but still provide plenty of support.
Velcro fasteners that you can easily adjust can provide additional comfort.
Ice and elevation
Continue to ice and elevate your foot if your doctor recommends it. Wrap the ice in a cloth so that it doesn’t come into direct contact with your skin.
Take it slow
Ease back into your activities, but listen to your body. If you sense that you’re putting too much weight or stress on the toe, back off. It’s better to have a longer recovery and avoid any painful setbacks than to rush back into your activities too quickly.
What to do if you break your toe? – useful articles from specialists
Any fracture can have unpleasant consequences, even if we are talking about a broken toe. Knowing what to do when you break your toe can help you navigate a difficult situation. Read our first aid tips – and you will have a clear idea of how to diagnose a fracture (let’s talk about its characteristic signs and symptoms), how it can be cured.
A broken toe requires immediate medical attention. Its treatment is long and complex. If you want to avoid a number of inconveniences (for example, difficulty in movement due to improperly fused bone), you need to learn how to determine the presence of a fracture in a timely manner. Improper treatment can cause loss of the former shape and flexibility of the limb. Therefore, at the first suspicion of a fracture, it makes sense to consult a doctor.
Broken toe: causes and symptoms
Most often, the phalanges of the fingers are injured when an object that is too heavy falls, due to a strong blow or accidental twisting of the leg. In some cases, fractures occur due to diseases such as osteomyelitis (bone infection), diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis.
Most fractures are stressful: a microcrack occurs that does not cause a rupture of the skin or displacement of the bones. Less commonly, comminuted fractures occur: the bone breaks in several places. Diagnosing an open fracture is easy: you will see the bones sticking out. Proper assessment of the severity of the injury allows the appropriate treatment to be determined.
The main symptoms of a broken toe include:
- visible swelling;
- unbearable pain;
- deformity of the phalanx;
- bruising, bruising;
- crunching when trying to move the leg;
- tingling, cooling, numbness;
- open wound with bleeding.
Having broken the thumb, a person cannot fully walk, because it is this finger that accounts for most of the body weight. A broken little finger does not make a person unable to walk. But in both cases, the pain will be palpable.
What complications are possible after a broken toe?
Do not think that a finger phalanx injury is a trifle. A number of problems arise after an injury. In the presence of a hematoma, removal of the nail is possible. In case of improper tissue fusion, surgical intervention is required: an osteotomy is performed to eliminate the deformation of the joints and bones.
In addition, there is a risk of infection if there is inflamed skin near a broken finger. The presence of redness, swelling, pus, as well as the softness of the tissues and fever are evidence of infection. In this case, antibiotics are indispensable.
In order to avoid the consequences of a fracture, you need to seek medical help from qualified specialists. Diagnosis and treatment of injured limbs is carried out not only by chiropractors and orthopedists, but also by osteopaths and physiotherapists. Specialists make diagnoses after examination and examination of x-rays. In some cases, computed tomography, MRI, ultrasound, bone scans are required.
Features of the treatment of broken toes
If we are talking about a stress fracture, then the first thing you will need to do is stop any activity, apply an ice compress to the damaged area (it will reduce inflammation and stop internal bleeding). Ice should be applied for 10-12 minutes every hour. Experts recommend keeping the injured limb elevated, it can be put on a roller from a blanket or pillow. Be sure to bandage the broken finger, connecting it to the adjacent one. For this, a regular medical waterproof bandage is suitable. The family doctor will recommend anti-inflammatory drugs. The next 5-6 days you will have to walk in shoes with a free toe.
With an open fracture, the help of an orthopedic surgeon is required. He will reduce the broken finger and apply a splint. You will need to use crutches for about 2 weeks. For walks, you will need to purchase special orthopedic shoes. Anyone who wants to quickly recover from a fracture should eat foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, magnesium, calcium, and boron.
Important point! Doctors almost always recommend a tetanus shot if you have an open wound.
Practice shows that the healing of broken fingers takes about 1.5 months. If during this period the problem is not solved, the doctor will take new x-rays and adjust the treatment. Only an expert can qualitatively assess the degree of bone healing.
Despite the fact that the fractures in question heal easily, the consequences should not be forgotten. You don’t want to get arthritis, do you? Do you want to be disabled? At the slightest injury, immediately consult a doctor.
Fracture of the big toe – how to determine the main symptoms and first aid
Fracture of the big toe is a fairly common injury that a person can get while playing sports, at work, walking and even at home. Pain sensations differ from the severity of the injury and its size. For example, if we are talking about a fracture of only one nail phalanx, then it is quite easy to overlook it or even confuse it with an ordinary bruise. And precisely because of the latter, a slight fracture can lead to quite serious consequences and improper fusion. We strongly recommend that, after a strong blow or injury, you can contact a medical center to rule out a fracture or start its immediate treatment.
Signs of a broken toe
Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, symptoms can vary greatly. With a crack in the phalanx, pain is practically not felt, and the victim may not even be aware of the problem, very often the bone grows without plaster and fixation. When the first phalanx of the finger is fractured, severe, aching pain is felt.
When the toes are fractured, the general symptoms are as follows:\
- a hematoma forms at the fracture site;
- possible hemorrhage;
- the skin turns dark blue, the skin swells around the damaged bone;
- severe and sharp pain on any attempt to touch or move a finger;
- unnatural mobility of the injured finger;
- inability to lean on the affected leg;
- immobility or partially limited movement of the finger;
- fever and redness at the site of localization;
- with a fragmental fracture, shortening of the finger is possible;
- with an open fracture, a wound with bone fragments;
- marked twitching or throbbing of the finger.
On physical examination, crunching of bone fragments is observed if a short time has passed since the injury. The crunch is the result of broken bones rubbing against each other. Finger fractures are combined with damage to the ligamentous apparatus, sprain and dislocation of the phalangeal joints.
How to distinguish a possible bruise from a fracture
A bruise or a fracture can be determined by several parameters:
- Pain syndrome features.
- Finger movement.
- Skin color at the site of swelling (contusion).
- Presence of hemorrhage.
- Phalanx shape.
The clinical picture of a finger injury is as follows:
- The victim has a sharp pain, which begins to subside with time. The nature of the pain is “aching”. Using a cold compress can speed up the process of relieving pain symptoms.
- When bruised, the finger is not deformed. Immediately after the bruise, all movements are accompanied by sharp pain (pulsation is possible), as the pain subsides, the motor activity of the finger is gradually restored.
- Depending on the nature of the bruise, the color of the skin at the site of injury may be dark red, pink, pale pink. Puffiness may appear immediately, after a day or not at all. The blood at the site of the bruise spreads diffusely (scattered), a bruise may appear.
How to diagnose a finger fracture
- On palpation, the pain increases sharply and does not go away for a long time (an hour or two).
- With a fracture, there is a sharp pain that can radiate to the nearest parts of the foot. Deformation of the phalanx, unnatural position of the finger. Bloating and strong (acute) throbbing at the fracture site.
- With a fracture, the victim cannot move the injured finger. At any attempt to stand on a sore leg, the patient experiences acute pain. To relieve pain symptoms, the affected finger is fixed in one position.
- Hemorrhages form under the nail, hematoma and edema appear, the skin becomes cyanotic.
First aid for a broken finger
If you have symptoms that indicate a possible fracture, there is no need to panic in the first place. First of all, you should call an emergency ambulance. Prior to the arrival of a physician, all the efforts of the victim should be aimed at stopping the bleeding (with an open fracture), fixing the limb and anesthesia of the injury site. To prevent negative consequences, the following rules must be observed:
- even in the absence of severe symptoms, you should not refuse to consult your doctor;
- limb fixation is one of the main stages of effective treatment;
- a broken finger must not touch foreign objects;
- fractures without displacement may not be fixed until the ambulance arrives;
- pain syndrome can be removed with the help of nimesil, analgin and ibuprofen;
- cold compress is another effective way to relieve pain.
It is important to note that when applying an ice pack, keep the compress for no more than 10 minutes to prevent possible frostbite. Repeated procedure is possible after a 3-4 minute break. Even if a fracture is suspected, experts recommend immediately contacting a specialized medical institution for qualified help.
Treatments for broken fingers
Name | Description |
Closed reduction | This method is used for a closed fracture and no displacement. Antiseptic agents are applied to the injured finger, after which the doctor returns the finger to its normal position by mechanical action (pulling). A significant disadvantage of this method is the need to repeat this procedure. |
Skeletal traction | This method is used for a displaced fracture. This procedure requires a metal wire, which is passed through the finger with a small load, which allows the bones to be in a normal position. At the end of the procedure, the doctor performs immobilization. |
Open methods | The surgeon performs osteosynthesis. Fixes bone fragments with special metal elements.![]() |