How to Ensure Proper Healing for a Misaligned Finger After Injury

What should I do if my bones are growing crooked?

Last month, I was in a car accident and fractured my left pinky finger.
The doctor helped me stabilize the pinky and ring fingers with a splint.
After my follow-up appointment yesterday, the doctor mentioned that the bone has shifted and advised me to return in another half month.
During this period, what should I do to ensure the bone heals properly? My left hand looks normal when open, and the pinky doesn't appear misaligned, but when I make a fist, my pinky overlaps the ring finger and it hurts.
I enjoy playing basketball and don't want it to be misaligned, as it would affect my game.
What should I do in this half month to prevent the bone from healing in a misaligned position and to ensure it returns to its original state?

A123, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/01

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics

Hello, you are already 19 years old, so your bones have already formed and will not return to their original shape.
I recommend considering surgical correction to prevent your little finger from overriding your ring finger when you make a fist in the future.

Reply Date: 2019/01/01

More Info

To ensure proper healing for a misaligned finger after an injury, especially following a fracture, it is crucial to follow a structured approach that includes medical guidance, appropriate immobilization, and rehabilitation strategies. Given your situation, where your left pinky finger is misaligned after a fracture, here are some recommendations based on medical knowledge and best practices.

1. Follow Your Doctor's Instructions
First and foremost, adhere strictly to the advice given by your physician. Since your doctor has already identified that your bone is misaligned, it is essential to follow up with them as scheduled. They may recommend further imaging studies, such as X-rays, to assess the alignment of the bone and determine if any adjustments or interventions are necessary.

2. Immobilization
It is vital to keep the affected finger immobilized to prevent further misalignment and allow for proper healing. If your doctor has provided a splint or cast, ensure that it is worn as instructed. Avoid any activities that could put stress on the finger, such as gripping or lifting heavy objects.

3. Pain Management
If you experience pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. However, consult your physician before taking any medication, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications.

4. Monitor for Changes
Keep an eye on any changes in your finger's alignment or pain levels. If you notice increased swelling, redness, or if the pain worsens, contact your healthcare provider immediately. These could be signs of complications that may require urgent attention.

5. Gentle Range of Motion Exercises
Once your doctor gives the green light, you may begin gentle range-of-motion exercises to maintain flexibility in the finger joints. This should be done cautiously and only after the initial healing phase. Start with simple movements, such as bending and straightening the finger without applying pressure. Gradually increase the range of motion as tolerated.

6. Rehabilitation
After the immobilization period, physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and function to your finger. A physical therapist can provide you with specific exercises tailored to your needs, focusing on improving flexibility, strength, and coordination. This is particularly important for athletes, as regaining full function is essential for performance.

7. Nutrition for Healing
Proper nutrition plays a significant role in bone healing. Ensure you consume a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for bone health. Foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and fish can help support the healing process. Additionally, vitamin C is important for collagen formation, which aids in tissue repair.

8. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can impede the healing process. Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen to the tissues, while alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. If you smoke, consider seeking help to quit, and limit alcohol intake during your recovery.

9. Stay Positive and Patient
Healing takes time, and it is important to remain patient and positive throughout the recovery process. Engage in activities that do not strain your finger, such as light exercises or other hobbies that do not involve your hands.

Conclusion
In summary, to ensure proper healing of your misaligned finger, follow your doctor's instructions, keep the finger immobilized, manage pain effectively, and engage in gentle exercises as advised. Nutrition and lifestyle choices also play a critical role in recovery. By taking these steps, you can help facilitate the healing process and work towards regaining full function of your finger, allowing you to return to playing basketball without concerns about misalignment. Always keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider throughout your recovery journey.

Similar Q&A

Post-Fracture Treatment Options: Can Surgery Correct Misalignment?

Hello, doctor. A few months ago, I fell and fractured my left pinky finger. After treatment, I still feel limited movement at the fracture site three months later. I went back to the hospital for an X-ray and found that the healing was misaligned. The lateral X-ray showed that th...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If a fracture heals improperly and affects function, surgical intervention may be necessary to re-fixate it. If it does not impact function, surgery may not be required. Aside from surgery, there are no other methods to correct the alignment.

Recovering from a Car Accident: Fixing a Bent Ring Finger After Surgery

I was injured in a car accident, suffering a comminuted fracture near the palm close to the ring finger. The doctor performed surgery to implant a steel pin, which was removed two months post-operation. The doctor did not require me to wear a brace. However, three months after th...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello, deformities and joint stiffness are common sequelae following hand fractures. However, it is essential to determine whether the finger flexion is due to fracture malunion or tendon adhesion in order to understand how to proceed with treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about...

Why Can't My Friend Straighten His Ring and Pinky Fingers After Surgery?

I have a friend who had surgery on his right hand due to an injury, which has resulted in his ring finger and little finger being unable to straighten. Applying external force to straighten them causes pain. Can you explain why this is happening and what rehabilitation steps shou...

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation
The message is not very clear, but I will do my best to answer: 1. What type of injury required surgery? a. Fracture? b. Laceration? Resulting in tendon or nerve rupture? How long has it been? a. A simple fracture is easier to manage; it typically heals in about one an...

Understanding Finger Fracture Recovery: What to Expect After Surgery

Hello Doctor, two months ago I fractured my little finger in a car accident. After surgery, a steel pin was used for fixation. I have noticed that the fracture site has some vertical misalignment. Is this a normal sequela, or does it indicate improper healing? If a slight displac...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
After surgery for a fracture, if the alignment is slightly off, it typically won't affect function. However, if the misalignment is significant, the curvature may be impacted, although the strength of the joint should remain unchanged. Continuing rehabilitation to flex the j...