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Thumb
Fracture (Bennett's
Fracture) Injury
Introduction
This
is an oblique
fracture of
the base of
the first (thumb)
carpo-metacarpal
with associated
dislocation
and fracture
of the carpometacarpal
articular surfaces.
It is the commonest
fracture to
affect the thumb
and is a serious
injury; failure
to treat it
quickly and
appropriately
can lead to
much disability
through disruption
of the pinching
and opposition
functions of
the thumb. Rugby
players can
suffer this
injury from
fall on the
thumb or a blow
or stamping
to the thumb
can cause this
condition.
These
fractures are
worrisome because
the break in
the bone also
involves the
joint between
the thumb and
the wrist which
left untreated
can cause long-term
thumb problems.
When the forces
are severe the
bone may end
up in multiple
pieces (the
fracture is
then called
a Rolando fracture.)
Bennett's
Fracture Signs
& Symptoms
There
will be severe
pain at the
base of thumb
and surrounding
area. The player
may also suffer
from rapid swelling
of the wrist
and thumb which
will limit movement.
X-rays are required
to diagnose
this condition.
Bennett's
Fracture Treatment
If the bone
fragments of
the fracture
have not moved
(displaced)
very much, or
if the break
is located in
the middle (shaft)
of the bone,
the doctor may
be able to use
a thumb cast
(spica cast)
to hold the
bone fragments
in place. The
cast should
be worn for
at least 4-6
weeks. Regular
x-rays may be
needed to ensure
that the bone
has not slipped
out of alignment.
Surgery may
be indicated
depending on
the location
of the fracture
and the amount
of movement
between the
broken fragments
of bone. The
orthopaedic
surgeon may
use one of several
operative fixation
techniques to
realign the
bone fragments.
These fragments
must be held
in place while
the bone heals.
What
you can do
- Consult
a expert
- Anti-inflammatory
gel will reduce
pain and swelling
- Use reusable
heat packs
to help relieve
stiffness
- Wear a removable
wrist support
for protection
- Use therapeutic
putty and
hand therapy
balls to relieve
stiffness
and gain flexibility.
- Improve
thumb &
grip strength
with resistance
exercises
Rugby
Rescue Recommends
Thumb Supports
5 Star Rating
Designed
to hold the
thumb in opposition
to the other
digits in order
to limit hyper-enxtension
of the internal
ligament. Neoprene
sheath completely
covers the thumb
column, from
the schipoid
to the first
phalange
 Excellent
thumb support
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