Post-Surgery Finger Stiffness: Recovery Tips for Fracture Patients

Regarding the inability to bend the finger after surgery?

Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you some questions regarding post-fracture recovery and would appreciate your advice.
Thank you for your help.
I suffered a fracture of the second phalanx of my right index finger due to a car accident, and it has been almost a month and a half since the surgery where a plate was installed for stabilization.
However, the tip of my finger cannot bend, and the swelling has not subsided.
When I returned for a follow-up appointment a month later and mentioned my inability to bend the finger, the surgeon forcefully bent my finger as if trying to break chopsticks.
Thankfully, I managed not to cry out.
He said that such intensity in rehabilitation is necessary to see results.
I would like to know if this is the correct approach.
If I am truly afraid of the pain and hesitant to bend my finger for rehabilitation, are there any other surgical options available? Additionally, after each rehabilitation session, it seems that my finger returns to its original stiff state the next morning, making me feel like all the rehabilitation efforts were in vain, leaving only the pain caused by the rehabilitation without any visible improvement.
I am really frustrated.

Lin Xiaodi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/20

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Finger fractures can lead to poor joint mobility, and rehabilitation must begin within six weeks; otherwise, it may result in an inability to bend the finger.
The approach is to teach you how to perform rehabilitation exercises and to encourage you to do them as much as possible.

Reply Date: 2016/08/20

More Info

Post-surgery finger stiffness is a common issue faced by patients recovering from fractures, especially after surgical interventions such as the insertion of plates or pins. Your experience highlights several critical aspects of recovery that are essential to understand for effective rehabilitation.

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that stiffness and swelling following surgery are normal. The healing process involves inflammation, which can lead to temporary stiffness in the affected joints. However, persistent stiffness, especially if accompanied by significant swelling and pain, may indicate complications such as scar tissue formation or joint contractures.

Regarding the rehabilitation techniques you mentioned, aggressive manipulation of the finger by your physician is sometimes necessary to break down scar tissue and restore mobility. However, this should be done with caution. The goal of rehabilitation is to regain function without causing excessive pain or further injury. If you find the manipulation too painful, it is crucial to communicate this with your healthcare provider. There are alternative methods to improve mobility, including:
1. Gentle Range of Motion Exercises: Instead of aggressive manipulation, start with gentle range of motion exercises. These can include flexing and extending the fingers without forcing them into painful positions. Gradually increase the intensity as tolerated.

2. Therapeutic Modalities: Techniques such as heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation can help reduce pain and swelling, making it easier to perform exercises.

3. Occupational Therapy: Consulting with an occupational therapist can provide you with tailored exercises and strategies to improve finger function. They can also teach you how to perform daily activities without straining your fingers.

4. Splinting: In some cases, a splint may be used to maintain the fingers in a functional position while allowing for some movement. This can help prevent stiffness while promoting healing.

5. Pain Management: Discuss pain management options with your doctor. Sometimes, medications or injections can help alleviate pain, making it easier to engage in rehabilitation exercises.

If conservative measures do not yield satisfactory results, further evaluation may be warranted. This could include imaging studies to assess for any underlying issues, such as hardware complications or joint damage. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to release scar tissue or correct any structural problems.

As for your concern about the fingers returning to a stiff state after rehabilitation, this is not uncommon. The healing process can be slow, and it may take time for the tissues to adapt and regain flexibility. Consistency in performing exercises, even when progress seems minimal, is key to long-term recovery.
Lastly, it is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare team. If you feel that your current rehabilitation approach is not effective or is causing undue pain, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or discuss alternative strategies with your physician. Recovery from a fracture is a journey that requires patience and persistence, but with the right support and techniques, you can achieve significant improvements in finger function.

Similar Q&A

Expert Tips for Finger Flexibility Recovery After Orthopedic Surgery

Due to occupational requirements, it is necessary to have a normal bending angle of the fingers (not overlapping the middle finger). What recommendations do you have, doctor? Can rehabilitation help return to the original condition, or would it be faster to remove the plate?

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, limited joint mobility after a finger fracture is a common sequela. Incomplete reduction of a rotationally displaced fracture may cause the finger to deviate, but it is generally not a significant issue. Most patients can adapt through occupational rehabilitation. Removal ...

Post-Surgery Recovery: Managing Stiffness After First Metacarpal Fracture

The patient sustained a fracture and dislocation at the base of the first metacarpal due to a car accident, and underwent surgery involving the use of a titanium alloy plate. Three weeks post-surgery, the stitches were removed and a cast was reapplied. Now, one month post-operati...

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation
After a fracture, it is necessary to immobilize the area with a cast. However, prolonged immobilization can lead to joint stiffness. Rehabilitation therapy should be initiated after the bone has healed to restore joint mobility. Self-rehabilitation can begin with heat therapy fol...

Understanding Thumb Stiffness After Distal Radius Fracture Surgery

Hello Dr. Chen, four years ago I had a distal radius fracture in both wrists and underwent surgery with a self-funded bone plate. The recovery was good until two years ago when I suddenly lost the ability to bend my thumbs, and they became completely immobile. At that moment, I f...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, it sounds like you may have trigger finger, which is unrelated to the previous surgery. Local injection can be attempted, as it serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Thank you.

Understanding Stiffness After Left Ring Finger Fracture Surgery

Doctor, I have a question. I had an open fracture of the metacarpal bone in my left ring finger due to a car accident. It has been 8 days since the surgery. I can move all other joints, but the joint in my left hand that bends when I make a fist cannot bend down. When I try to fo...

Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery
You should ask your attending physician what surgical method will be used and when rehabilitation therapy will be initiated.