How long does a thumb metacarpal fracture take to heal?
Metacarpal fractures usually take about six to eight weeks to heal. You’ll probably have to wear a splint as part of your treatment. It covers part of your fingers and both sides of your hand and wrist, and you’ll most likely wear it for around three weeks. You may also undergo physical therapy.
How do you immobilize a metacarpal fracture?
A gutter splint or cast should be used to immobilize a metacarpal fracture. This is often definitive management for fractures that meet acceptable radiographic parameters. A gutter splint may be modified based on the location of the injured finger.
How is a metacarpal base fracture treated?
Metacarpal base fractures can often be managed without surgery as long as the joint(s) affected are stable. A splint or short-term plaster cast may be used. If the bone has shortened or moved out of position (subluxed) it may require surgery.
Can you move your finger if your metacarpal is broken?
Swelling and bruising in the injured hand. Visible deformity of the injured hand. Inability to use the hand—it may be impossible to move your fingers or you may have limited range of motion.
What happens if you don’t cast a fracture?
The broken bone must be properly aligned and held in place, often with a plaster cast, so it heals in the correct position. If you do not receive the correct treatment, you could develop a serious infection or a permanent deformity. You may also have long-term problems with your joints.
Do metacarpal fractures require a cast?
You have a fracture (break) in one or more of these bones. This is called a hand (or metacarpal) fracture. Some hand fractures require wearing a splint or a cast. Some need to be repaired with surgery.
How long should you wear a thumb splint?
How long do you need to wear a thumb brace? A typical treatment time may include wearing a splint for most of the day for 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, you may need to remove the splint several times a day. You’ll do this to exercise your hand and maintain its range of movement.
Can I wear a splint instead of a cast?
When there’s swelling, splints are a better choice than casts because they are easy to loosen, if needed. Health care providers usually replace a splint with a cast on a broken bone after the swelling goes down. The cast will provide more protection while a broken bone heals.
Should I sleep with a thumb splint on?
Don’t wear your splint all the time, otherwise your joints may become stiff. Don’t wear your working splint overnight unless you’ve been told to by your therapist or nurse. When you take the splint off, make sure that you do some gentle wrist, finger and thumb exercises to help stop your joints from stiffening up.
Can I take my splint off to shower?
Tape a sheet of plastic to cover your splint when you take a shower or bath, unless your doctor said you can take it off while bathing. If you can take the splint off when you bathe, pat the area dry after bathing and put the splint back on. If your splint gets a little wet, you can dry it with a hair dryer.
How many hours a day should you wear a thumb splint?
It can also be used for short periods of rest. This splint immoblises (holds still) the painful joint of your thumb and gives some wrist and thumb support. Do not wear splint for longer than two hours at a time, as this may weaken your hand muscles.
Should I sleep with my thumb splint on?
Should I sleep in my thumb brace? Yes, depending on the condition of your thumb joint. A 2018 research review suggests that continuous use of a thumb brace throughout the day and into the night could be required to properly rest the thumb and make sure it stays in an ergonomic position.