Have you sustained a Thumb Injury
Have you sustained a Thumb Injury?
Our thumb is what allows us to grip, without it we would find daily tasks very challenging as our grasp would be severely reduced. Sadly there are many ways in which we can cause damage to our thumb, including fractures and dislocations. One of the main injuries that occurs to the thumb is known as Bennett’s fracture.
Bennett’s fracture is an oblique fracture that affects the base of the thumb. It is the most common fracture to affect the thumb and is considered to be a serious injury that, without treatment, can quickly lead to disability of the thumb. Bennett’s fracture is normally brought on due to an axial blow on a partially flexed first metacarpal, which is one of the three bones that makes up the thumb. The other two bones are distal phalanx (of the first digit) and proximal phalanx (of the first digit). A Bennett’s fracture usually occurs during the delivery of a punch or as a result of a fall.
A Bennett’s fracture sounds harmless enough when in fact it is a worrisome type of fracture due to the fact the break in the bone also involves the joint between the thumb and the wrist, which, if left untreated, has the possibility of causing long term damage and problems for the thumb, which could restrict your daily life.
The common symptoms of Bennett’s fracture include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb. If you suspect that you have damaged your thumb it is important that you visit your GP or Accident and Emergency as soon as possible so a doctor can determine exactly what you have done. A doctor will when evaluate your injury and take some x-rays in order to determine the most appropriate treatment for you to receive. If your joint surface is lined up well a cast will be used to treat you; however if your joint is out of position surgery may be recommended and a doctor will determine whether pins will be able to hold it in place, if this is not the case then an incision will be made in order to align the bone fragments.
Another common injury that often affects the thumb is a dislocation. A dislocation of your thumb may affect the interphalangeal joint (thumb has only 2 phalanges) or metacarpophalangeal joint. Metacarpophalangeal dislocation tends to occur due to hyperextension injury and usually dorsal dislocation.
If you do have an injury occur to your thumb it is highly important that you get it looked at immediately as if you don’t complications could occur that will make your thumb worse. Some of these complications include post traumatic arthritis, bony malunion, chronic ligamentous damage and instability as well as vascular injury and even neurological injury.
If you are unfortunate enough to be suffering from an injury to your thumb then you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. You are entitled to put a claim in for compensation if your thumb injury has occurred through no fault of your own. For more information about your rights and making a claim for compensation then contact a legal team today and they will be able to help you further if you do wish to pursue a compensation claim.
Helen is the web master of Accident Consult, specialists in all aspects of Thumb Injuries.
Have you sustained a Thumb Injury? / Author: Helen
