Thumb Fracture

A broken thumb is a very unpleasant fracture. You use your thumb constantly to hold or pick up objects. Thumb injuries can occur during sports, but also from a wrong twisting movement, for example. You can read below what the symptoms of a broken thumb are and how best to treat it!

Symptoms of a broken thumb

If you have a broken thumb, you will experience the following symptoms:

• Numbness in the thumb
• Limited mobility in the thumb
• Swelling
• Pain in the thumb

Diagnosis

A broken thumb can easily be diagnosed using an X-ray. A doctor can also determine whether it is a thumb fracture through a physical examination. If an X-ray does not provide enough clarity about the type of fracture, a CT scan may be performed.

Treatment for a broken thumb

If the fracture is so severe that bone fragments pierce through the skin, surgery is absolutely necessary. If the break is less complicated, a cast is usually applied. You can also choose to wear a thumb brace. The Novamed Thumb Brace has protection level 3, which is the highest level and suitable for moderate to severe complaints. This brace is equipped with a splint on the inside of the wrist and thumb and is made of aluminum and plastic, providing maximum support and protection for the wrist and thumb. In addition, the thumb brace is made of highly breathable, skin-friendly quality material. The inside of the brace features foam pads for high wearing comfort.

Types of fractures

A doctor will examine what type of thumb fracture it is. There are three types of fractures and three corresponding treatments.

• An extra-articular fracture. This type of fracture runs along the length of one of the two bones in the thumb and does not involve the joint. Surgery is usually not necessary in this case.
• An intra-articular fracture; this fracture goes through the joint and surgery is often required to ensure the joint can move fully again after recovery.
• Then there are the Bennett fracture and the Rolando fracture. These fall under intra-articular fractures. In both cases, the thumb is broken near the joint closest to the hand. These are both intra-articular fractures. Surgery is almost always necessary for a Rolando fracture, while it is only occasionally needed for a Bennett fracture.

How long should you wear a brace for a broken thumb?

A frequently asked question is how long a brace should be worn. The answer cannot be given in a single word. The duration depends heavily on the type of injury. Depending on the fracture and the symptoms, the duration of brace wear can vary greatly. It is advisable to consult a specialist or physiotherapist. For a thumb fracture, we offer various thumb braces that can support the complaint.