Post-Surgery Pain in Thumb After Scaphoid Fracture: Recovery and Exercise Timeline

After a scaphoid fracture surgery, it is common to experience soreness at the base of the thumb. The timeline for resuming physical activity can vary, but typically, patients may begin gentle range of motion exercises around 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery, depending on the healing process and the surgeon's recommendations. Full return to sports or strenuous activities may take several months. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice?

Hello Doctor, I had surgery two days after a car accident where they inserted two metal pins through an incision at the base of my thumb.
It has been about two weeks since the surgery, and my movements are quite normal with minimal discomfort, only experiencing some discomfort during heavier activities.
However, I find it strange that even though the surgical wound has mostly healed, pressing on the surgical site (where the pins are located) causes soreness.

1.
Could this soreness be due to the metal pins, with the heads of the pins slightly protruding and putting pressure on the muscles of my thumb?
2.
Will the muscles behind this area gradually adapt and recover over time?
3.
Additionally, how long after the surgery should I wait before I can resume exercising? I play volleyball.
Thank you for your assistance, Doctor.

Xu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/03

Dr. Chen Bochen reply Orthopedics

1.
It is possible, but an X-ray is needed to confirm.

2.
Generally, most people adapt well.

3.
Typically, it takes about two months, but it is more accurate to follow the advice of the surgeon who performed your operation.

Reply Date: 2022/05/03

More Info

After a scaphoid fracture surgery, it is common to experience some discomfort and pain, especially around the surgical site. The scaphoid bone is located in the wrist and is crucial for wrist stability and function. When you undergo surgery, such as the insertion of screws or pins, it can lead to localized pain due to several factors, including the presence of hardware, inflammation, and the healing process of the surrounding tissues.

1. Pain at the Surgical Site: The discomfort you feel when pressing on the surgical area may be due to the presence of the screws or pins. These devices are designed to stabilize the bone during the healing process, but they can sometimes cause irritation to the surrounding soft tissues, including muscles and tendons. If the heads of the screws are slightly protruding, they may indeed be pressing against nearby structures, leading to discomfort. This is not uncommon, and many patients report similar sensations after surgery.

2. Adaptation Over Time: As your body heals, the surrounding muscles and tissues may adapt to the presence of the hardware. The initial pain and discomfort can gradually decrease as inflammation subsides and the tissues become accustomed to the new anatomical situation. However, it is essential to monitor this pain. If it worsens or does not improve over time, it may be necessary to consult your surgeon to evaluate the position of the hardware and the overall healing process.

3. Timeline for Resuming Activities: Generally, after a scaphoid fracture surgery, the timeline for returning to activities, especially those that involve significant wrist movement or impact, varies based on several factors, including the extent of the fracture, the surgical technique used, and your overall health. Typically, patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting or high-impact activities for at least 6 to 12 weeks post-surgery. However, light activities and gentle range-of-motion exercises can often begin earlier, usually around 2 to 4 weeks post-surgery, depending on your surgeon's recommendations.

Since you mentioned that you play volleyball, it is crucial to approach your return to this sport cautiously. Volleyball involves a lot of wrist movement and impact, which can put stress on the healing scaphoid. It is advisable to wait until you have full range of motion, strength, and no pain during daily activities before returning to sports. Your surgeon or physical therapist can provide a tailored rehabilitation program to help you regain strength and function in your wrist safely.

In summary, while some discomfort is expected after surgery, it is essential to keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider. They can assess your healing progress and provide specific guidance on when it is safe to resume activities like volleyball. Remember, everyone's recovery timeline is different, and listening to your body is key to a successful return to sports.

Similar Q&A

Post-Surgery Care Challenges for Scaphoid Fractures: Understanding Pain and Recovery

Hello Doctor: I was involved in a car accident on October 27, 2019, which resulted in a fracture of my right scaphoid bone. At that time, the emergency physician did not diagnose it, so I switched hospitals and was finally diagnosed four months later (March 6, 2020), after which ...

Dr. Chen Bochen reply Orthopedics
1. Scaphoid fractures are prone to nonunion, especially when diagnosed later. 2. Surgery does not guarantee healing (but the likelihood of healing is higher compared to non-surgical treatment). 3. Healing with a slight discrepancy of a few millimeters usually does not cause pain;...

Post-Surgery Recovery: Understanding Scaphoid Fracture Complications

Hello, Doctor. About ten years ago, I had a car accident, and it has only now been confirmed that I have a non-union fracture of the left scaphoid and a tear of the triangular ligament. I underwent surgery at the end of April this year, where the ligament and fragmented bone were...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
The range of motion in the wrist is not limited to this; rehabilitation is necessary to further increase mobility. Additionally, it is normal to experience numbness in the skin after surgery, and it typically takes a longer period to see if it will recover.

Post-Surgery Complications After Scaphoid Fracture: Pain and Weakness Explained

Hello Doctor, I suffered a traffic accident and have a closed fracture of the scaphoid bone with a third of the bone displaced in my left wrist. I underwent surgery using a self-funded 2mm compression screw. Within 20 days post-surgery, I experienced numbness and weakness in all ...

Dr. Zhan Xian reply Orthopedics
Hello Mr. Fan, I am unable to answer your questions due to a lack of understanding of your surgical situation. Further evaluation, including physical examination and imaging studies, is necessary. You may visit a major hospital's orthopedic department for consultation. Wishi...

Post-Surgery Nerve Pain After Wrist Fracture: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I had surgery for a wrist fracture on October 4th, and it has been nearly two months since then. During these two months, the bone and wound have healed normally, but in the past week, I have been experiencing pain in the nerves of my wrist, particularly affecting m...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Wrist fractures are typically approached through a surgical incision on the palmar side, where the median nerve is distributed. If the median nerve is damaged, it may cause numbness, and your pain could also be due to inflammation of the first extensor tendon sheath on the latera...