A Bennett’s fracture is a crack in the base of the first metacarpal bone (thumb) and comes with a dislocation of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. Below are 50 common questions about Bennett’s fractures and their responses:
A Bennett's fracture refers to a break at the base of the first metacarpal bone, along with dislocation of the thumb's CMC joint.
It typically happens due to a strong force or a fall that hits the thumb or from punching something.
Signs include pain, swelling, bruises, and trouble moving the thumb.
An Xray is used to confirm the fracture and the dislocation.
Yes, it is considered serious because it impacts the thumb’s ability to function properly.
A Bennett's fracture has one fracture line, while a Rolando fracture is more complex with multiple pieces.
Treatment usually involves realigning the bone, potentially followed by surgery or immobilization with a cast or splint.
Not all cases require surgery, but many do to ensure proper healing due to joint involvement.
Surgery may include methods like closed reduction with pinning, open reduction, or internal fixation.
Initial healing takes 4 to 6 weeks, but full recovery can take a few months for strength and motion to return.
Yes, physical therapy is usually needed to regain strength and movement.
Movement may be limited due to swelling and immobilization, but gentle movement is encouraged to avoid stiffness.
Light activities can often be resumed in weeks, progressing as per healing and doctor’s advice.
If untreated, it can cause ongoing pain, arthritis, instability, and reduced thumb function.
Nonsurgical treatment includes closed reduction and immobilization but is less common due to potential instability.
Medical attention is necessary; bones often do not align properly by themselves.
Following treatment directions, attending followups, and doing physical therapy can help avoid problems.
Complications might be joint stiffness, reduced grip strength, malunion, or posttraumatic arthritis.
Aftercare includes managing pain, elevating the hand to decrease swelling, and having regular checkups with your doctor.
Keep it dry, avoid inserting objects into it, and adhere to care instructions from your healthcare provider.
Driving should be avoided until you regain enough function and control of your hand, under your doctor’s recommendation.
Pain relief options include overthecounter medications and following doctor advice. involves using pain relievers that you can get without a prescription or those that your doctor prescribes.
Yes, followup Xrays are necessary to check if the bones are healing well and staying in place.
Going back to work depends on what your job involves and how well you are healing; light work may be possible in a few weeks.
Ongoing swelling, intense pain, or inability to use your thumb are signs that need medical attention.
Numbness may happen because of swelling, but it should be checked for nerve issues.
Yes, since it affects the joint, there is a higher longterm chance of getting arthritis.
Eating well with enough calcium and vitamin D helps support bone healing.
Don’t put weight on or stress the hurt thumb and follow your doctor’s advice on limits.
Using a hairdryer on a cool setting can ease itching, but do not put anything under the cast.
Look for signs of infection, worse pain, or numbness, and inform your doctor about these.
Surgery is usually required to make sure the joint is aligned and stable for proper healing.
You should not lift weights until fully healed and your doctor gives the goahead.
Surgery normally leaves a scar, but efforts are made to keep it as small as possible.
Physical therapy helps to get back motion, strength, and function in the thumb and hand.
Common treatments are best for recovery, though other therapies may help with doctor's permission.
You should only get back to sports after it is fully healed, usually in a few months, and with doctor's clearance.
Smoking can slow down the healing of bones and raises the risk of issues.
A therapist might suggest finger movements, wrist exercises, and grip strengthening.
Closed reduction means realigning the bone without surgery, usually followed by casting or pinning.
Internal fixation uses metal pins, screws, or plates to stabilize the fracture from the inside.
While it mainly happens from sudden injury, ongoing strain could weaken the joint first.
Slowly return to activities, protect your thumb in risky situations, and keep doing strengthening exercises.
Healing out of alignment might cause functional issues and raise the risk of arthritis. risk.
Factors like age, overall health, nutrition, and following treatment are key to healing speed.
They help ensure the bone heals well, watch for any issues, and modify treatments if needed.
You can use it a little, but follow your doctor’s advice; avoid putting too much pressure on it.
A thumb spica cast keeps the thumb and wrist still, helping with healing by keeping them in the right position.
Following medical advice, eating well, and not smoking may help make recovery quicker.
Call if you have more pain, swelling, fever, numbness, or if your skin changes color.
Always talk to your healthcare provider for specific advice and treatment options for a Bennett’s fracture.