Finger fracture

Hi I fractured my little finger playing football (goalkeeper) Sunday before last. (11 days ago now) I put some ice on it, and after the match went to A&E. They took an x-ray and confirmed a fracture, they buddy strapped it to my ring finger, and made me a fracture clinic appointment for the Tuesday just gone (day 9).

I was expecting the FC to either keep me strapped up or to cast my hand for a further 2-3 weeks, however, instead of this he cut the strapping off and discharged me. He said it looks okay, and I can start trying to move it now, and just keep working on making a fist.

Now this guy is well respected and recommended by other people as being very good at what he does. I am just very surprised that after one week strapping, I am now discharged with no follow up or xray, and no official physio.

He told me not to play in goal for 6 weeks so as not to risk damaging it before it has healed. I just wondered if anyone can shed any light on whether it is okay for me to be discharged so soon? The fracture on the xray must have been quite small as I couldn't really see it from where I was sat, so presume the bones are still aligned etc. Have tried looking into it but cant find any fracture where they do not recommend strapping or casting for at least a couple weeks??

I'm just worried that I am meant to presume that it is all okay at some point after 6 weeks and start playing again.

Any ideas? Is it okay to be discharged with a fracture after 1 week and to start using it? I can bend it a little now, but I still have a long way to go. I am just worried about doing some damage if the bone is still fragile.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

FM

Hi fingermouse!
Well, a bone fracture needs a lot more than a week to heal and certainly a splint shouldn't be removed without a radiological check first. I suppose the fracture is stable and minor for the doctor to discharge you so easily. It can be healed without splinting but in that case one must be certain that no movement is allowed at the site of fracture. This means that you shouldn't use your finger at all but this is almost impossible without external stabilization (splinting). Moreover, one shouldn't risk a malpositioning during healing process by not having a splint.
My advice is to visit an orthopaedist (have the x-ray you already got with you), tell him/her your medical history and he/she should ask for another x-ray. Then he/she will guide you. In the meantime, avoid use of your hand or try to buddy strap your little finger with the ring one in order to be able to do some hand movement (immobilization is devastating and that's also why you should have the splint, so as to be able to move the rest of the hand).
Let me know of your progress.
ilias

Hi,

Went back to the GP again as wasn't happy with the progress. Been just over 3 weeks now and still bruised and defaults to a position further out than the rest of my fingers. When I bend it, the fingertip actually points away from my palm, rather than curling around into it, so think there is something wrong. Doctor thought there might be a problem with the ligaments or tendons, as lots of creaking, and clicks as I bend it dow, and also bruised still at the two joints in my finger. The only break was at the base of the proximal phalanx, and this was apparently only a small crack. Have had a second xray done, so awaiting the results.

Am worried now that there must be something else wrong as if the bone hasn't moved out of aligment or rotated, I can't understand why my finger is bending away from my hand or straight down at best, rather than nicely into my palm as the other hand does..by the time I know anymore I am going to be 5 weeks since the injury, and presumably to know if there is any ligament or tendon damage I will need some kind of scan, which will drag this out for ages?

Just can't find anything on the internet that seems to be the same to give me any idea what is wrong, so confused at present.

Request Physio from your GP, if possible to a hand specialist - Sounds like you need a thorough assessment of the finger and more input than just resting or strapping. The therapist can advice you on appropriate stretches and strengthening and mobilise the joint to help it to move and help reduce the creaking. But at this point I suggest you need something more in your rehab and it's best you get a second opinion and some input.