Hand & Wrist Care
Wisconsin Bone & Joint hand & wrist care
experts offer comprehensive services
to individuals with a wide range of
hand & wrist pain issues.
Thumb Fractures
Hand & Wrist Specialists At Wisconsin Bone & Joint
The physicians at Wisconsin Bone & Joint utilize cutting-edge technology to assess, diagnose and work with patients to develop innovative treatment plans for a variety of hand & wrist conditions and injuries. Our team of physicians are committed to providing you with the best treatment options to alleviate your hand and wrist pain.
Providing trusted Orthopedic care in the community for over 40+ years
At Wisconsin Bone and Joint, we pride ourselves with providing you highly personalized and comprehensive orthopedic care. Our philosophy of direct physician-to-patient care means your physician will be an intrical part of every stage of your care. This commitment to a dedicated continuum-of-care model has made us one of the most trusted and respected practices in Southeast Wisconsin and greater Milwaukee area.
Thumb Fractures
What Are Thumb Fractures?
A thumb fracture is a serious problem. It affects the ability to grasp items. A broken thumb can increase the risk of arthritis later in life.
What Causes Thumb Fractures?
Thumb fractures are usually caused by direct stress, such as from a fall. A thumb fracture may happen when a ball catches and pulls the thumb back.
Some fractures may be caused indirectly, from twisting or muscle contractions, as occur in wrestling, hockey, football, and skiing. People with a history of bone disease or calcium deficiency are especially at risk.
The risk of a thumb fracture can be lessened by using protective taping, padding, or other equipment. Developing strength in the hands through exercise and proper nutrition can also provide some protection.
What Are The Symptoms of Thumb Fractures?
- Severe pain at the fracture site
- Swelling
- Limited or no ability to move the thumb
- Extreme tenderness
- A misshapen or deformed look to the thumb
- Numbness or coldness in the thumb
What Are The Treatment Options For Thumb Fractures?
Nonsurgical Treatment
A fracture of the thumb can be held in proper alignment using external fixation.
If the bone fragments of the fracture have not moved (displaced) very much, or if the break is located in the middle (shaft) of the bone, your surgeon may be able to use a specially designed cast (spica cast) to hold the bone fragments in place.
The cast may need to be worn for at least 4 to 6 weeks. During that time, regular X-rays may be needed to ensure that the bone has not slipped out of alignment.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be needed, depending on the location of the fracture and the amount of movement between the broken fragments of bone. Your surgeon may use one of several operative fixation techniques to realign the bone fragments. These fragments must be held in place while the bone heals.
These techniques include devices that hold the bone fragments in place either inside the body (internal fixation) or outside the body (external fixation).
Internal fixation techniques include the use of wire, pins, plates, and screws.
External fixation techniques include the use of pins in bone that are held in place through their attachment to an external fixation device.
A cast or splint will be worn for 2 to 6 weeks after surgery. When the cast is removed, hand therapy may be recommended in order to restore movement.
It can take 3 months or more to regain full use of the hand, depending on the severity of the injury.
Our team is here for you
When conservative care and treatment is appropriate, we offer the best, least invasive, least aggressive treatment options to relieve your pain and discomfort. When an injury is more serious and conservative care is not an option, our orthopedic surgeons provide the latest in innovative surgical interventions available with the goal of getting you back to the life you love. Wisconsin Bone & Joint physicians offer orthopedic services at three convenient locations in Mayfair, Glendale and Cedarburg.