Do you need a plaster cast for a broken thumb?
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 treat the thumb fracture without surgery using a specially designed cast (spica cast) to hold the bone fragments in place.
Do they plaster broken thumbs?
Treatment for a thumb fracture depends on where the break has occurred. For example, a break in the base of the thumb often requires surgery. This is because a doctor may have difficulty applying a splint or cast to the thumb. A splint or cast ensures that the thumb is in the right place to heal correctly.
What is the best thing to do for a broken thumb?
Treatments for a broken finger or thumb
- try to straighten your finger – they’ll give you an injection of local anaesthetic to numb the pain.
- put your finger in a splint or cast, or strap it to another finger to keep it in position.
- give you a tetanus injection or antibiotics if there’s a cut, to prevent infection.
How can you tell if thumb broken?
Symptoms of a Broken Thumb
- Intense pain.
- Immobility of the thumb.
- Deep bruising.
- Swelling.
- Tingling and/or numbness.
- Thumb looks misshapen.
- The thumb may feel cold to the touch.
Is a broken thumb an emergency?
You should see a doctor immediately if you suspect you have a broken or sprained thumb. Both types of injuries may require immobilization with a splint and surgery. Waiting for treatment can lead to complications or slow down your recovery process.
Is plaster necessary in fracture?
It is always better to put a plaster in any case of fracture. It gives complete rest to the fracture and other soft tissue structures around it for it to heal.
How do you wrap an injured thumb?
Start with wrapping a piece of athletic tape around your wrist. Make sure the tape is not too tight and does not restrict blood circulation. With the second piece of tape place one end on your inner wrist and wrap the tape up over your thumb and loop it back down to the back of your wrist.
How do you bandage a thumb?
Make sure the tape is not too tight and does not restrict blood circulation. With the second piece of tape place one end on your inner wrist and wrap the tape up over your thumb and loop it back down to the back of your wrist. Repeat step number 3 up to four times to secure your thumb.
Can a fracture heal without plaster?
Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast?” is yes. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.
When should you see a doctor for thumb injury?
If you have persistent pain after two weeks If the pain persists generally, on motion, or is not improving within one week of the injury, you should seek further medical attention.
What is the difference between a break and a fracture?
The terms are actually interchangeable and both refer to a bone that has been shattered, often by excessive force. Your doctor may be more likely to use the term fracture. To be frank, the term fracture is more “professional” sounding. To say break would still be correct but more colloquial.
What happens if you don’t cast a fracture?
The broken bone must be properly aligned and held in place, often with a plaster cast, so it heals in the correct position. If you do not receive the correct treatment, you could develop a serious infection or a permanent deformity. You may also have long-term problems with your joints.
Can I wear a brace instead of a cast?
Braces come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be used immediately following an injury or toward the end of healing, normally following removal of another type of cast.