Is My Injured Pinky Finger Serious After Hitting the Ground?

Fracture after impact?

Two years ago, when I was in my first year of high school, I fractured my pinky finger while playing volleyball.
I underwent surgery and had a metal plate inserted.
The doctor said it could stay in, so it has remained there.
However, yesterday, while receiving a ball, I seemed to hit the floor.
I immediately applied ice, but it still swelled up.
Today, I continued to ice it, but the surface of my pinky looks red and purple, resembling a bruise with some blood spots.
When I let my hand hang down, my pinky feels very full, and there is a bit of pain when I move it.
I have been using kinesiology tape to stabilize it.
Is this serious, or will it be fine in a few days? I hope nothing is wrong.
🥺

Lin Er, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/04

Dr. Chen Bochen reply Orthopedics

If there is no improvement after a week, consider getting an X-ray so you won't have to worry constantly.

Reply Date: 2021/02/04

More Info

Injuries to the fingers, especially after a previous fracture, can be concerning and warrant careful evaluation. Based on your description, it sounds like you may have sustained a soft tissue injury to your pinky finger after hitting the ground while playing volleyball. The presence of swelling, bruising, and pain indicates that there is likely some degree of trauma to the area.

Given that you had a previous fracture in the same finger and underwent surgery to insert a plate, it's essential to consider a few factors. First, the fact that you are experiencing swelling and discoloration (red and purple) suggests that there may be a hematoma or bruising due to the impact. This is common after a blunt force trauma and can occur even if the bone itself is not fractured again. However, the pain you feel when moving the finger or when it is in a dependent position (hanging down) could indicate that there is more than just a soft tissue injury.

Here are some important points to consider regarding your injury:
1. Previous Injury: Since you have a history of a fracture in that finger, it is crucial to monitor for any signs of re-injury. The presence of a metal plate can complicate things, as it may not be immediately clear whether the bone has been affected again without imaging studies.

2. Symptoms: The swelling and pain you are experiencing are typical after an injury, but if the pain worsens, or if you notice increased swelling, loss of function, or any new symptoms (like numbness or tingling), you should seek medical attention promptly.

3. Rest and Ice: Continuing to ice the finger and keeping it elevated can help reduce swelling. Using kinesiology tape to support the finger is a good idea, but ensure that it is not too tight, as this could impede circulation.

4. Timeframe for Recovery: Soft tissue injuries often improve within a few days to a week with proper care. However, if you do not see improvement or if symptoms worsen, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.

5. Imaging: If there is any doubt about the integrity of the bone or if you experience significant pain, an X-ray may be warranted to rule out any new fractures or complications related to the previous surgery.

6. Follow-Up Care: If you notice that the swelling and pain persist beyond a week or if you have any concerns about the healing process, it would be wise to follow up with your orthopedic surgeon or a hand specialist. They can assess the situation more thoroughly and determine if any further intervention is necessary.

In summary, while your symptoms may not indicate a severe injury, it is crucial to remain vigilant. Monitor your finger for any changes, continue with conservative management (ice, elevation, and support), and do not hesitate to seek medical advice if your condition does not improve or worsens. Your previous injury and surgery make it especially important to ensure that everything is healing correctly.

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