Fracture Dislocation of the Thumb

• Introduction
• 1 Hamstring Strain
• 2 Head Injuries
• 3 Sprained Ankle
• 4 Acromio Clavicular Joint Sprain
• 5 Fracture Dislocation of the Thumb

What is a Fracture Dislocation of the Thumb?

This injury was described by Dr Edward Bennett, who suffered a fracture dislocation of his thumb while horse riding in 1885, and is often referred to as a ‘Bennett's fracture’.

Anatomically it is a fracture of the joint surface between the thumb and the wrist and subsequent detachment of the deep ligaments, which normally stabilise the joint.

Because of the long term problems and functional instability that can occur, many orthopaedic consultants advocate surgical fixation to repair a Bennett's fracture dislocation of the thumb.

What can you do to prevent a Fracture Dislocation of the Thumb?

Not a great deal. Get your chartered physiotherapist to tape your thumb, but even then a fracture dislocation of the thumb may occur due to the collision nature of Rugby.

What should you do if you suffer a Fracture Dislocation of the Thumb?

This is a nasty injury, with potential long term functional impairment of hand function. All fracture dislocations of the thumb should be assessed by an orthopaedic consultant.

In the first few days following a fracture dislocation of the thumb it is important to follow the RICE protocol - rest, ice, compression and elevation (never apply ice directly to the skin). Ice packs for a period of twenty minutes every couple of hours may help with the pain but pain-relieving medication prescribed by a doctor may also be necessary.

Surgery is often required for this injury and the surgeon may immobilise the thumb in a plaster. Once this is removed, some form of protection for the joint is necessary during the rehab period. A Thumb Stabiliser is helpful to protect the joint between exercise sessions with a physio.

Acromio Clavicular Joint Sprain

Recommended Products for Fracture Dislocation of the Thumb

Thumb Supports & Braces

ProCare POL'AX 1 Thumb Wrap

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ProCare ThumbSPICA

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A lightweight thumb support with firm outer shell and soft terry lining for thumb immobilisation...
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Mueller Thumb Stabiliser

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Adjustable thumb brace to treat and prevent thumb injuries such as a broken thumb or sprained thumb and to prevent Skier's thumb...

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Vulkan Neoprene Wrist Support

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Vulkan Silicon Wrist Support

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Aircast A2 Wrist Brace with Thumb Spica

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Adjustable, lightweight and removable wrist/thumb brace that can also be used as a protective cast....
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Ice Packs & Cold Therapy

PhysioRoom.com Instant Ice Pack

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Aircast Hand & Wrist Cryo/Cuff with Cooler

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Ultimate hand & wrist ice therapy; provides 6 hours continuous cold and compression to minimise bleeding, swelling and pain. ...

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Faster Bone Healing

 

 

Smith & Nephew Exogen Express Bone Healing System

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RECOVER FASTER!Portable bone healing system that speeds up fracture healing - to 38% faster than normal bone...

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Warm Packs & Heat Therapy

PhysioRoom.com Instant Heat Pack

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Deep Heat Patches (4 pack)

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AS SEEN ON TVWellPatch Deep Heat Patches are fast acting and deliver up to eight hours of deep relieving warmth...

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Pain Relief

Mentholatum Deep Relief Gel

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Deep Relief dual action gel with ibuprofen is a clear, non-sticky and non-greasy gel with a mild,...
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Tenscare Touch TENS Machine

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Easy to use dual channel digital TENS machine for effective pain relief featuring seven preset programmes. Just stick on the...

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Home Rehabilitation Kit

Therapeutic Putty (85g tub)

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Therapeutic putty for strengthening the hand and wrist, as well as improving fine motor skills. Colour coded according...

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Hand Therapy Ball

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Extra firm squeezable balls for strengthening the hand and wrist. Colour coded according to level of resistance....

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Digiflex Finger & Grip Strengthener

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Ergonomically designed finger and grip strengthening device, with individual spring resistance for each finger which allows...

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Tape & Strapping

PhysioRoom.com 4cm Trainers Tape

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Mueller Taping Starter Kit

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Versatile, compact taping kit for athletic events when you need extra support for a joint. Contains 3 rolls of Athletic...

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PhysioRoom.com Taping Starter Kit

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