Finger

Pictures of a broken pinky finger. Broken Pinky Finger: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery

What are the common causes of a broken pinky finger. How can you recognize the symptoms of a pinky fracture. What treatment options are available for a broken pinky. How long does recovery typically take for a pinky finger fracture. What complications may arise from an untreated broken pinky.

Understanding Pinky Finger Fractures: Types and Causes

A broken pinky finger, also known as a fifth metacarpal fracture, is a common hand injury that can occur due to various reasons. Understanding the types and causes of pinky fractures is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Pinky Finger Fractures

  • Transverse fracture: A clean break across the bone
  • Oblique fracture: A diagonal break across the bone
  • Spiral fracture: A break that spirals around the bone
  • Comminuted fracture: The bone shatters into multiple pieces

Common Causes of Pinky Finger Fractures

Pinky finger fractures can occur due to various reasons, including:

  1. Direct impact or trauma to the finger
  2. Falling on an outstretched hand
  3. Sports-related injuries
  4. Crushing accidents
  5. Repetitive stress or overuse

Is punching a common cause of pinky fractures. Yes, punching a hard surface or object is a frequent cause of pinky finger fractures, particularly in the metacarpal bone. This type of injury is often referred to as a “boxer’s fracture.”

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Broken Pinky Finger

Identifying the symptoms of a broken pinky finger is crucial for seeking timely medical attention. While the severity of symptoms may vary depending on the type and location of the fracture, there are several common signs to watch for.

Key Symptoms of a Broken Pinky Finger

  • Intense pain, especially when trying to move the finger
  • Swelling and bruising around the affected area
  • Visible deformity or misalignment of the finger
  • Difficulty moving or bending the finger
  • Numbness or tingling sensation
  • Stiffness in the finger and surrounding joints

Can a broken pinky finger be mistaken for a sprain. Yes, it’s possible to mistake a broken pinky finger for a sprain, especially if the fracture is minor. Both injuries can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the finger. However, a fracture typically causes more intense pain, visible deformity, and may be accompanied by a snapping or popping sound at the time of injury.

Diagnostic Procedures for Pinky Finger Fractures

Accurate diagnosis of a pinky finger fracture is essential for determining the appropriate treatment plan. Healthcare professionals employ various diagnostic procedures to assess the extent and nature of the injury.

Common Diagnostic Methods

  1. Physical examination: The doctor will visually inspect the finger and test its range of motion.
  2. X-rays: These provide clear images of the bone structure and can reveal fractures.
  3. CT scans: For more detailed imaging, especially in complex fractures.
  4. MRI: This may be used to assess soft tissue damage around the fracture site.

Are X-rays always necessary to diagnose a broken pinky. While X-rays are the most common and reliable method for diagnosing a broken pinky finger, they may not always be necessary in every case. Some minor fractures may be diagnosed through physical examination alone. However, X-rays are typically recommended to confirm the diagnosis, assess the severity of the fracture, and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Options for Broken Pinky Fingers

The treatment approach for a broken pinky finger depends on the severity and location of the fracture. In most cases, non-surgical methods are sufficient, but more complex fractures may require surgical intervention.

Non-Surgical Treatment Methods

  • Immobilization: Using a splint or cast to keep the finger stable
  • Buddy taping: Taping the injured finger to an adjacent healthy finger for support
  • Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice therapy
  • Physical therapy: Exercises to restore strength and flexibility

Surgical Treatment Options

In cases of severe fractures or when non-surgical methods prove ineffective, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options include:

  • Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): Using pins, screws, or plates to realign and stabilize the bone
  • External fixation: Applying an external frame to hold the bone in place
  • Bone grafting: For fractures with significant bone loss

How long does it take for a broken pinky finger to heal. The healing time for a broken pinky finger can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the chosen treatment method. On average, most pinky finger fractures heal within 4 to 6 weeks. However, complete recovery and return to full function may take several months, especially for more complex fractures or those requiring surgical intervention.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Process

Proper rehabilitation is crucial for regaining full function and strength in a broken pinky finger. The recovery process typically involves a combination of rest, gradual movement, and targeted exercises.

Stages of Pinky Finger Rehabilitation

  1. Immobilization: Allowing the bone to heal in the correct position
  2. Gentle movement: Introducing light exercises to prevent stiffness
  3. Strength training: Gradually building strength in the finger and hand
  4. Range of motion exercises: Improving flexibility and dexterity
  5. Functional training: Practicing everyday tasks to regain full functionality

When can you start physical therapy after a broken pinky. The timing for starting physical therapy after a broken pinky finger depends on the severity of the fracture and the treating physician’s recommendations. In general, gentle range of motion exercises may begin as early as 3 to 4 weeks after the injury, once initial healing has occurred. More intensive physical therapy typically starts around 6 to 8 weeks post-injury, but this can vary based on individual cases and healing progress.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Effects

While most pinky finger fractures heal without significant issues, there are potential complications and long-term effects that patients should be aware of. Proper treatment and follow-up care can help minimize these risks.

Common Complications of Pinky Finger Fractures

  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion
  • Chronic pain or discomfort
  • Malunion: Improper healing of the bone
  • Arthritis in the affected joint
  • Nerve or blood vessel damage
  • Infection (in cases of open fractures or surgical treatment)

Can a broken pinky finger lead to permanent disability. While rare, a broken pinky finger can potentially lead to permanent disability if not properly treated or if severe complications arise. Factors that may contribute to long-term issues include complex fractures, delayed treatment, poor healing, or damage to surrounding tissues. However, with appropriate medical care and rehabilitation, most people recover full or near-full function of their pinky finger.

Prevention Strategies for Pinky Finger Fractures

While not all pinky finger fractures can be prevented, there are several strategies that can help reduce the risk of injury. Implementing these preventive measures is particularly important for individuals engaged in high-risk activities or sports.

Effective Prevention Techniques

  1. Proper hand protection: Wearing appropriate gloves or hand gear during sports and physical activities
  2. Strengthening exercises: Regularly performing hand and finger strengthening exercises
  3. Proper technique: Learning and practicing correct form in sports and daily activities
  4. Environmental awareness: Being mindful of potential hazards in your surroundings
  5. Adequate warm-up: Preparing your hands and fingers before engaging in strenuous activities

Are certain professions at higher risk for pinky finger fractures. Yes, certain professions and activities carry a higher risk of pinky finger fractures. These include:

  • Construction workers and manual laborers
  • Athletes, particularly in contact sports like boxing, basketball, and football
  • Musicians, especially those playing string instruments
  • Healthcare professionals performing repetitive hand movements
  • Factory workers operating machinery

Individuals in these professions should take extra precautions and consider using protective equipment to minimize the risk of pinky finger injuries.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Pinky Finger Injury

Knowing when to seek medical attention for a pinky finger injury is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. While minor injuries may heal on their own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation.

Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention

  • Severe pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Visible deformity or misalignment of the finger
  • Inability to move the finger or significant loss of function
  • Numbness or tingling that persists or worsens
  • Signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or warmth around the injury site
  • Open wounds or exposed bone

Can delaying treatment for a broken pinky finger lead to complications. Yes, delaying treatment for a broken pinky finger can lead to various complications. These may include:

  1. Improper healing or malunion of the bone
  2. Increased risk of chronic pain and stiffness
  3. Reduced range of motion and functionality
  4. Higher likelihood of developing arthritis in the affected joint
  5. Potential need for more invasive treatments or surgery

It’s always best to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect a broken pinky finger to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of long-term complications.

In conclusion, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for broken pinky fingers is essential for proper care and recovery. By recognizing the signs of a fracture, seeking timely medical attention, and following through with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, most individuals can expect a full recovery and return to normal function. Remember to take preventive measures in high-risk activities and don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect a pinky finger injury.

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handgezeichnetes doodle person verletzter finger mit verband – broken finger stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Handgezeichnetes Doodle Person verletzter Finger mit Verband

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Junge Frau mit Schmerzen am finger

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Patienten von Hand untersuchen

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Fingerverletzungen, Fingerschiene, Finger gerade mit orthopädischem Gerät.

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Verletzte finger mit bandage

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X-Ray gebrochenen Finger

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Knochenbruch Schaft aus Proximale Phalanx ring finger

Frakturschaft der proximalen Phalange des Ringfingers ( Film Röntgen beide Hände AP )

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eine linke Handfläche mit einer verletzten Biegung nach unten…

Schnittzeigefinger mit einer Strecksehnenverletzung, Schlägelfingerwunde, Fingerspitze, die nicht gerade bleiben kann, Deformität im letzten Phalangealknochen, Zeigerichtung, verletzte Ziffer mit Schnittmarken, Bannerformat

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Symbol für verletzten Finger, Fingervektor, verletzte. ..

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Teenager mit Handverletzung

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Röntgenbild der linken Hand zeigen Fraktur im kleinen Finger…

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Junger Arzt untersucht Röntgenaufnahmen von Händen eines älteren…

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Arzt mit Person, die Finger mit Klammer

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Weiße Medizin Bandage am gebrochenen finger

Weißer Medizinverband am gebrochenen Finger.

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Finger_splint

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Röntgen-Mehrfachfilm-Röntgenbruchfinger und Aluminiumschiene

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Ungesunder Mann schaut auf Fingertrauma

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Zeigefinger Fingerwegsperre nach Handverletzung

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Broken thumb

Medizinverband am gebrochenen Daumen gegen graues T-Shirt.

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Verputzte Hand mit Fraktur des fünften mittelhandknochens

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3D-Render, lustige Zeichentrickfigur elastische Managerhand mit. ..

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Fingerschmerzen – Medizinisches Röntgen

fingerschmerzlinie symbol, körperschmerz-konzept, verletzte fingerzeichen auf weißem hintergrund, akute fingerschmerzen symbol im umriss-stil für mobiles konzept und web-design. vektorgrafiken. – broken finger stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

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Frau mit hand Schmerzen

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Ich möchte, dass Sie finger das durch Zerrissen Papier

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Konzept der Verletzung des menschlichen Hand- und Fußtraumas

Konzept der menschlichen Handtraumaverletzung mit schneidender Wunde rotem Blut an der Handfläche, dem Verband am Finger, Armschmerzen und gebrochenem Fuß und Knöchel, Vektorillustration

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Hohe Qualität des Gummibandes

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Lächelnd Finger in Gusseisen

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Nahaufnahme der Skeletttraktion mit Rahmen bei einem Patienten mit Handgelenksbruch nach dem Unfall. Frakturenhände verwenden Traktion, um vor der Operation zu immobilisieren. Medizin- und Versicherungskonzept.

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Fingerknochenschmerzen

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Nahaufnahme einer Hand mit einer Fraktur in einem Gipsverband. Das Konzept eines Unfallversicherungsfalls. Selektive Fokussierung auf Bandage mit Pflaster.

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Ärztin schaut sich Röntgenaufnahmen der Hände in Nahaufnahme an

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X-ray image hand Knochenbruch

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Fingernagel eines 9-jährigen Jungen mit einer Nagelkrankheit,. ..

Fingernagel eines 9-jährigen Jungen mit einer Nagelkrankheit, sehr schwache oder brüchige Nägel, isoliert auf grauem Hintergrund, mit Kopierraum

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Röntgen-Mehrfachfilm-Röntgenbruchfinger und Aluminiumschiene

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Frau mit elastischen Binde mit Fuß, weibliche Füße verletzten…

hand röntgen – broken finger stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Hand Röntgen

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Xray von hand

Handröntgenbild medizinischer Hintergrund

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Eine zerbrochene Bierflasche in die Hand des Mannes als Waffe…

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Mann massiert schmerzhaftes Handgelenk auf weißem Hintergrund….

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Stechen Sie die russische Rubel-Währungsblase mit einer Nadel, die russische Blasenwirtschaft

x-ray hand. – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

X-ray hand.

frau scheiden und ehering ausziehen – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

Frau scheiden und Ehering ausziehen

frau mit schmerzen hand mit arthritis, massage schmerzende gelenke zu hause und entzündung in den fingern nach verletzung. ältere, pensionierte und reife frau, die den arm mit älterem schmerzhaftem körper und gebrochenem knochen berührt – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

Frau mit Schmerzen Hand mit Arthritis, Massage schmerzende. ..

Frau mit schmerzender Hand mit Arthritis, massiert schmerzende Gelenke zu Hause und Entzündungen in den Fingern nach Verletzungen. Ältere, pensionierte und reife Frau berührt den Arm mit Schmerzen und Gefühl für gebrochene Knochen

schmerzhafter finger der hintergrundanimation – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

Schmerzhafter Finger der Hintergrundanimation

offenen knöchel-verstauchung vor und nach der operation. – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

Offenen Knöchel-Verstauchung vor und nach der Operation.

Offene Gelenkluxation Knöchel – Verletzung vor der Operation und Operation.

defekte elektrokabel, lebensgefahr. – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

Defekte Elektrokabel, Lebensgefahr.

mann verhindert, dass die zigarette auf den schreibtisch fällt – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

Mann verhindert, dass die Zigarette auf den Schreibtisch fällt

Mann verhindert, dass Zigarette mit Holzklötzen auf den Schreibtisch fällt

hand röntgen – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

Hand Röntgen

Röntgenaufnahme der rechten Hand.

schmerzen in den menschlichen körper teile körperliche verletzungen runden flachen satz. – broken finger stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Schmerzen in den menschlichen Körper Teile körperliche…

Schmerzen in den menschlichen Körperteilen körperliche Verletzung flach durch Krankheit oder Verletzung isoliert auf weißem Hintergrund, Vektorillustration.

mädchen gebrochener arm. – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

Mädchen gebrochener Arm.

gewalt gegen frauen – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

Gewalt gegen Frauen

einfache warnung gefahr zeichen – broken finger stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Einfache Warnung Gefahr Zeichen

3d render, lustige cartoon-charakter elastische hand mit zeigefinger zeigt richtung. gebrochener boden. clipart isoliert auf violettem hintergrund – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

3D render, lustige Cartoon-Charakter elastische Hand mit…

hand – broken finger stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symboledraufsicht auf grüne, sehr hochgradig schnittfeste handschuhe, die mit zerknittertem latex und glasscherben auf weißem hintergrund bedeckt sind. – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

Draufsicht auf grüne, sehr hochgradig schnittfeste Handschuhe,…

x-ray hand (xxxl) – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

X-ray hand (XXXL)

frauenfinger mit abgebissenen und gebrochenen nägeln ohne maniküre mit überwucherter nagelhaut und einer beschädigten nagelplatte – broken finger stock-fotos und bilder

Frauenfinger mit abgebissenen und gebrochenen Nägeln ohne Maniküre

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Finger Fractures – OrthoInfo – AAOS

Although the bones in the fingers are small, a broken (fractured) finger is not a minor injury.

The bones in a normal finger line up precisely. They let you perform many specialized functions, such as grasping a pen, playing an instrument, or typing on a computer. When you fracture a finger bone, it can cause dysfunction affecting your entire hand. Without appropriate treatment, your broken finger may end up misaligned, stiff, or painful.

Your hand consists of 27 bones:

  • Eight bones in your wrist (carpals)
  • Five bones in the palm of your hand (metacarpals)
  • 14 bones in your fingers (phalanges)

These bones are connected by joints:

  • The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is where a digit’s metacarpal connects to the wrist The thumb CMC joint allows for quite a bit of motion, enabling you to put your thumb in a variety of positions for grasping. There is some motion in the CMC joints of the little and ring fingers and very little motion in the CMC joints of the middle and index fingers.
  • The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is where your finger connects to the matacarpal
  • The interphalangeal (IP) joints are the joints within your fingers. Combined, the MCP and IP joints allow you to straighten your fingers and make a fist.

Illustration showing the anatomy of the hand.

Generally, a fractured finger occurs as the result of an injury to the hand. You can fracture a finger when:

  • You slam your fingers in a door.
  • You put out your hand to break a fall.
  • Your finger jams while trying to catch a ball.
  • You have an accident while working with a power saw, drill, or other tools.
  • Your hand strikes a hard object. Fractures of the metacarpal bone that attaches your little finger to your hand, which account for about one-third of all hand fractures in adults, are typically caused by a punching force (these are known as “boxer’s fractures”).

(Left) Illustration and (Right) X-ray of a “boxer’s fracture” in the fifth metacarpal. This common hand fracture can cause the knuckle on the affected finger to appear sunken in or angulated.

Right: Reproduced from Johnson TR, Steinbach LS (eds): Essentials of Musculoskeletal Imaging. Rosemont, IL American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2004, p. 347.

  • Swelling of the fracture site
  • Tenderness at the fracture site
  • Bruising at the fracture site
  • Inability to move the injured finger completely
  • Deformity of the injured finger

If you think you fractured your finger, immediately tell your doctor exactly what happened and when it happened. Your doctor must determine not only which bone(s) you fractured, but also how the bone(s) broke.

Bones can break in several ways:

  • Straight across the bone
  • In a spiral pattern
  • Into several pieces
  • Shattered completely

Illustration showing different types of finger fractures. (Left) With intraarticular fractures, the fracture extends into the joint. (Right) Avulsion fractures occur when a ligament or tendon and a small piece of the bone it is attached to pull away from the main bone.

Your doctor may want to see how your fingers line up when you extend your hand or make a fist. Does any finger overlap its neighbor? Does the injured finger angle in the wrong direction? Does the injured finger look too short?

Your doctor will obtain X-rays and sometimes advanced imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, to better understand the fracture and how it should be treated.

Your doctor will also look for injuries to other nearby structures. It is not uncommon for a finger that is fractured to also have injuries to tendons, nerves, and/or ligaments. These injuries may need to be treated along with the broken bone(s) to ensure a good outcome. 

Nonsurgical Treatment

For fractures that are displaced, or not lined up correctly:

  • Your doctor will likely put your broken bone back into place; often, this can be done without surgery.
  • You may get a splint or cast to hold your finger straight and protect it from further injury while it heals. Sometimes your doctor may splint the fingers next to the fractured one to provide additional support. Your doctor will tell you how long to wear the splint. Usually a splint on a fractured finger is worn for about 3 weeks.
  • You may need more X-rays over this time so that your doctor can monitor the progress of your finger as it heals.
  • After the fracture heals, it will likely be stiff from not moving for several weeks. Therapy may be necessary to help get motion back in the finger.

Surgical Treatment

Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, you may need surgery to put the bones into alignment and keep them there while they heal.

  • Small devices, such as pins, screws, plates, or wires, will be used to hold your fractured bones together. Sometimes, these devices can stay in for life, and sometimes they need to be removed after the fracture heals.
  • Depending on the strength of the repair, you may be able to move the finger soon after surgery to avoid stiffness.

(Left) X-ray shows fractures in the phalanges of two fingers. (Right) In this X-ray, the fractures have been repaired with screws.

Reproduced from Kozin SH, Thoder JJ, Lieberman G: Operative Treatment of Metacarpal and Phalangeal Shaft Fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2000; 8:111-121.

Fractures that involve the CMC, MCP, or IP joints are particularly worriesome and very often require surgery. When these fractures are not treated promptly and adequately, they can lead to substantial finger dysfunction and long-term consequences, such as arthritis.

Finger fractures requiring surgery often need therapy after the procedure to help prevent or correct stiffness.

You may begin using your hand again as soon as your doctor determines it is OK to move your finger. Doing simple rehabilitation exercises each day will help reduce the finger’s stiffness and swelling. You may be required to see a hand therapist to assist you in these exercises.

Outcomes following the treatment of finger fractures vary:

  • Some simple fractures are easily treated, and treatment results in excellent function.
  • Some more catastrophic injuries (e.g., a gunshot to the finger) — in which multiple structures (such as tendons, nerves, and/or ligaments) are involved — result in stiff and poorly functioning fingers even with the best treatments. In some cases, a second or third surgery may be needed to remove hardware once the bone is healed or to free up tendons that have scarred to the fracture site.

 If you suspect you have a finger fracture, seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner a fracture is addressed by a doctor, the better the outcome will likely be.


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Bandage on Benzema’s hand – due to a broken finger. He has not undergone surgery for two years in order to play for Real Madrid permanently – Madrid says – Blogs

Madrid says

Blog

Self-sacrifice.

Karim Benzema scores a lot and drags Madrid in every possible way. When celebrating goals, we often notice one interesting detail on Karim

In every close-up of Karim, the white armband on his right arm catches the eye. Benzema wears it because of an injury that he received more than two years ago.

All the details of the injury

•‎ In January 2019, at the end of the first half of the match against Betis, Karim collided with Mark Bartra, landed badly on his little finger and showed that he could not continue the game. He didn’t come out for the second half.

•‎ Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari confirmed a broken little finger, but Benzema played against Sevilla in the league just six days later. He missed only the Cup match against Leganes between them, but the Frenchman’s help was not required there – Real Madrid won the first match with a score of 3:0.

• “He shows generosity and helps the team by playing with a broken finger and overcoming pain. A decision on the date of the operation will be made within a week, as the return of some players will give Kareem time to rehab, Solari said.

•‎ Real Madrid had a busy schedule in January-February 2019 (Barcelona, ​​Atlético, Ajax) and Benzema postponed the operation to help the club. A special bandage is made for his hand, which allows him to play without discomfort.

He has been playing in this condition for more than two years and is forced to refuse surgery – recovery will take some time, and too much depends on his presence on the field at Real Madrid.

In such self-sacrifice Karim’s environment sees his growing up and readiness to be a leader.

• In the same 2019, Benzema consulted with American doctors whether it was possible to cope with a fracture without surgery, but they ruled out other methods of treatment.

•‎ In April, the Spanish edition of ABC reported that the Frenchman’s arm was bleeding and he would probably have to undergo surgery.

•‎ Pictures of Benzema’s bare little finger got into the net – it looks creepy.

• Since the start of the 2018/19 season, Benzema has made 102 out of 109 appearances in La Liga and scored 63 times. For Real Madrid, he is simply irreplaceable.

What is hard taping and how does it help with injuries? Says sports doctor and author of Sports.ru Artem Ryzhenko

Unfortunately, athletes have a near-pofigistic attitude towards fingers when it comes to fingers. Somehow look at the hands of the goalkeepers, there the fingers are like a branch of a tree – everything is broken and in different directions. Why Karim doesn’t have the operation, I can’t say. Most likely, this is due to the potential rehabilitation. Benzema will not be able to train and play in the general group for at least a month.

As far as I understand, his interphalangeal joint was injured, but it’s hard to talk about the severity of the damage, because we don’t really have anything other than the word “fracture” and a photo of a swollen finger. If the doctors allow him to play with it, then there is such an opportunity, although, of course, it does not look very good.

Rigid taping is used, which is practiced in many places. Mostly toes and ankles. This allows a recently injured joint to be rigidly fixed if we have doubts about its stability. Or so goalkeepers often do so as not to knock out a finger.

If it’s an ordinary bandage, then nothing will happen if someone is accidentally hit with a hand.

symptoms, treatment, prevention at home

The Internet is full of jokes about the insidious legs of the sofa and bedside tables, which dream of meeting the little toe. Many remember the pain that happens after their sharp contact. But few then rush to the doctor. A broken toe is often seen as comical. As a result, a person looks at whether the finger is moving or not, it hurts – it doesn’t hurt, and lives on calmly. Even if the finger swells the next day, many rely on “it will pass by itself. ” In some cases, this is what happens. But sometimes the severity of the situation can exceed the insignificance of external symptoms, especially since not only the little finger can be broken on the leg.

– The big toe or little toe is most commonly affected by toe fractures, says traumatologist Erwin Kuzmin . “People hit furniture – these are common cases when, for example, a young mother ran after a child and got injured. Either the person was in a hurry to the TV, the children frolicked next to the pieces of furniture. In these cases, the little fingers are more often injured. In my practice, there was a treatment with a broken toe as a result of a Rottweiler jumping on the mistress – the dog made a maneuver out of the best of feelings, as a result, the woman had a fracture of her little finger. Big toes are injured mainly when playing football, participating in outdoor sports, accidentally or intentionally kicking a hard surface. You can also get a broken toe if a heavy angular object falls from above. As an example, I can cite a schoolboy whose briefcase with textbooks fell on his leg. Severe injuries, for example, resulting from an accident, are not taken into account, since there we are talking, most often, about a combined injury and saving the patient’s life, and not a broken toe.

Symptoms of a broken toe

Three main symptoms:

  • pain;
  • edema;
  • deformation.

Pain. The first and main sign of a broken toe is pain. The pain syndrome also occurs with bruises and dislocations, therefore, first of all, it is worth paying attention to its intensity. Constant throbbing pain in the finger, especially at night, is a sure reason to go to the emergency room.

Edema. When a toe is broken, swelling appears along with pain, in other words, swelling. As a result of injury, the integrity of body tissues, vascular permeability and water-salt balance are violated, as a result, an excess of fluid accumulates in the intercellular space, which we observe visually. Small blood vessels are also damaged, and a hematoma joins the edema, i.e. bruise. When you try to move your finger, swelling and hematoma can increase, as well as spread to neighboring tissues.

Deformation . A clear sign of a broken toe is its curvature. Most often, in such a situation, it is impossible to move them, and an attempt to touch causes a sharp pain. However, it should be borne in mind that with significant edema, the deformation may not be visible to the eye, so it is better to consult a doctor to make a diagnosis.

Treatment of a broken toe

Fractures are different – open and closed, with and without displacement of fragments, oblique, transverse, comminuted, and so on. Treatment of a fracture depends on its type. If this is a simple fracture without displacement, then a universal remedy is the imposition of a splint for short-term immobilization of the limb. After two weeks, it will be possible to step on the leg, after three – to remove the splint.

Doctors used to recommend tight bandaging for several weeks, especially for injuries to the middle and ring fingers. It was necessary to apply a tourniquet, connecting the injured finger with the neighboring uninjured one, and tightly tie them. Bandage every 3-4 days. But, the main rule in the treatment of a broken toe is that patients should not lean on the injured leg.

– Most patients consider a broken toe a trifle and neglect the orthopedic regimen, comments Erwin Kuzmin. – As a result, the consolidation of bone fragments is delayed, the fracture becomes ununited. Treatment is delayed. Therefore, it is much more practical to temporarily walk with a splint and enjoy life. After all, other types of toe fractures require more serious intervention – surgery.

Diagnosis

The main method for diagnosing a broken toe is radiography. It will allow you to immediately differentiate the diagnosis: bruise or fracture, as well as determine the type of fracture.

The main thing in the healing process is to observe the orthopedic regimen. Photo: Pixabay

Modern methods of treatment

Modern medicine has especially advanced in the treatment of complex fractures. First of all, this concerns the treatment of comminuted fractures of the toes, where fixation of bone fragments is necessary using special structures: knitting needles or plates.

Today, there are many variants of plates for periosteal osteosynthesis, which can be used to fix any bone. Plates vary in size, shape, functionality. If we are talking about a fracture of the toe, then it is installed for 3-4 weeks and guarantees 100% fixation. Subsequently, it can be both removed and, if indicated, left. However, there is always the risk of a suppurative process.

Kirschner wires mainly fix small bones and joints. Fixation can be carried out both externally, when the end of the pin rises above the surface, and internally, when the entire structure is under the skin. Immobilization lasts, as a rule, for 4 to 6 weeks after the operation. The operation is minimally invasive, less traumatic than the installation of plates. Subsequently, you can remove the spokes at any emergency room.

Prevention of a broken toe at home

Broken toes are usually the result of hitting something hard and immovable, or from dropping a heavy, angular object on the foot. Less often – from bending the fingers inward. Therefore, pay attention when buying furniture to its protruding parts. Do not arrange furniture so that it is in your path or aisle. It is advisable to walk around the house in slippers that can soften the blow. Be careful when lifting heavy objects. Also pay attention to the selection of shoes: wearing shoes that are narrow or smaller than necessary in size is fraught with injuries on the street, especially on ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would you go to the doctor if you have a broken toe when it heals on its own?

Indeed, the bone can heal on its own if it is a simple fracture.