Finger Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights

Hand fractures

Hello Doctor, I was in a motorcycle accident on February 4, 2022, in Taoyuan, where I slipped on a road marking and injured my left pinky finger.
I had an emergency surgery for suturing on the same day.
Currently, I am unable to bend my finger or make a fist; the distal and middle joints cannot bend much at all.
I am unsure what the issue is.
I have had two follow-up appointments, but they only involved changing the dressings.
1.
Is the problem with my pinky due to the injury itself or related to the suturing?
2.
Should I start actively working on bending and rehabilitating it?
3.
Will it take a longer time to heal?
4.
Is another surgery necessary?
Recently, I have been experiencing a tingling sensation, similar to low-frequency vibrations, and my finger tends to bend involuntarily.
I am feeling quite down about this.
Thank you, Doctor.
(Videos and photos are available at the link) https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ppOhwCLuZ8Moj-HLBFR6qf43_z0TtIBG?usp=sharing

yī, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/03

Dr. Chen Bochen reply Orthopedics

Hello, tendon ruptures, fractures, and post-traumatic adhesions may all warrant a consultation with an orthopedic hand specialist for a more accurate diagnosis of the issues.

Reply Date: 2022/03/03

More Info

Finger fractures, particularly in the small finger, can significantly impact functionality and quality of life, especially after an injury like yours. Based on your description, it seems you have undergone an injury that resulted in a fracture and subsequent surgical intervention. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the recovery and rehabilitation process for finger fractures, along with answers to your specific questions.

Understanding Finger Fractures and Their Recovery
1. Nature of the Injury: Finger fractures can vary in severity, from simple hairline fractures to complex fractures involving joint dislocation or soft tissue damage. The fact that you had to undergo surgery suggests that your injury was significant, possibly involving not just the bone but also surrounding ligaments or tendons.

2. Surgical Intervention: The surgery you had, likely involving the realignment of the fractured bone and possibly the repair of soft tissue, is crucial for restoring function. However, surgical outcomes can vary based on the extent of the injury and the precision of the surgical technique.

3. Rehabilitation Importance: Rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery. After surgery, the immobilization of the finger is necessary to allow for healing. However, once the initial healing phase is over, rehabilitation exercises become essential to regain mobility and strength.

Addressing Your Specific Questions
1. Is the inability to bend the small finger due to the injury or the sutures?: The inability to bend your finger could be due to several factors, including swelling, stiffness from immobilization, or scar tissue formation around the surgical site. It’s not uncommon for fingers to be stiff after surgery, and this can be exacerbated by the healing process.

2. Should you start rehabilitation exercises?: Yes, it is generally advisable to begin gentle range-of-motion exercises as soon as your doctor permits. Early mobilization can help prevent stiffness and improve circulation to the area, which is vital for healing. However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice regarding the timing and type of exercises to avoid jeopardizing the healing process.

3. Will it take a long time to recover?: Recovery times can vary widely depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual’s healing response. Typically, the initial healing of bone can take about 6 to 8 weeks, but regaining full function may take several months. Consistent rehabilitation efforts can significantly influence the speed and quality of recovery.

4. Is another surgery necessary?: This depends on your current condition and the assessment of your healthcare provider. If there are complications such as malunion (improper healing of the bone) or significant stiffness that does not improve with rehabilitation, further surgical intervention may be considered. It’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare team about your symptoms and progress.

Additional Considerations
- Pain and Sensation: The "electric shock" sensations you describe could be related to nerve irritation or healing. This is not uncommon after hand injuries and surgeries. However, if these sensations persist or worsen, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor.

- Psychological Impact: It’s understandable to feel low due to the limitations imposed by your injury. Engaging in supportive conversations with friends, family, or even a mental health professional can be beneficial as you navigate this challenging time.

- Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments with your orthopedic surgeon or hand specialist are essential. They can monitor your healing progress, adjust your rehabilitation plan, and provide interventions if necessary.

In conclusion, finger fractures require a multifaceted approach to recovery, including surgical intervention, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical support. By actively participating in your rehabilitation and maintaining communication with your healthcare providers, you can optimize your recovery and regain the functionality of your finger.

Similar Q&A

Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Finger Fractures: A Guide

Hello Doctor, I have a teacher who fractured his little finger while playing basketball. He has undergone rehabilitation and mentioned that he made good progress in the first week, but now, three months later, there hasn't been much improvement. I'm wondering if there a...

Dr. Chen Wayda reply Rehabilitation
I don't know which hospital he is undergoing rehabilitation at. He should communicate more with his physician and therapist. Alternatively, he could visit a hospital in Taipei to better understand where the issue lies.

Post-Finger Fracture: Joint Stiffness and Pain - Rehabilitation Needed?

Hello, Doctor. Recently, I fractured the second phalanx of my right little finger near the first phalanx (not at the joint). After having a pin inserted, it was removed yesterday after a month and a half. I noticed that the first joint is not moving well; it is very painful when ...

Dr. Su Hongci reply Rehabilitation
Hello: The main objectives of rehabilitation treatment for fractures are to maintain joint range of motion, strengthen muscle strength, prevent muscle atrophy, reduce swelling, and restore limb function. Therefore, if there are difficulties in finger movement, one should consult ...

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 ...

Rehabilitation Strategies for Boxer's Fracture and Ligament Tear

Hello doctor, I had a car accident on September 13th, resulting in a comminuted fracture of my left hand's ring finger and a ligament tear. I had the metal pins removed on October 4th. What rehabilitation exercises should I do to recover to 100%? The hospital doctor advised ...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. If your fingers are too swollen, you can perform a contrast bath method as follows: Soak in warm water (about 104°F) for five minutes. Then soak in cold water (50-60°F) for one minute. Repeat this alternating process five times for a total of 30 minutes, doing it once in the m...