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On Splint For 3 Weeks For Broken Bone At The Base Of Thumb. Feeling Of Bump Inside Base. Advised To Be On Splint For 6 Weeks. Normal?
Im 34 and I broke a bone at base of my thumb. I'm 3 weeks in a splint so far. There is a bump on inside base where I broke it. It feels like bone. Is this normal? I am so worried its not gonna heal properly. I am very active golfing, softball, and basketball, and i lift things at my job and need this to heal properly and be 100%. Also was wondering if its ok to take splint off and move thumb and wrist around a little, or not? My doc wasn't concerned at all. He said to wear a splint for 6 weeks, no surgery needed, and to come see him then. He looked at X-rays for about 5 seconds and I was out the door in 5 minutes tops.
posted on
Thu, 15 Aug 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 15 Aug 2013
Answered on
Sat, 17 Aug 2013
Last reviewed on
The bump you are feeling is the callus which is forming at the site of the fracture.This bump consolidates and helps in healing of the fracture and is entirely normal.It would not be proper to remove the splint as that may displace the healing edges of the fracture resulting in nonunion of the bone.You need to stick with the advice given to you and keep the splint on for 6 weeks.
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Hi and welcome to HCM
Bump at fracture site at the base of thumb after 3 weeks could be due to callus formation.So do not worry about this.
You have to wear the splint for 6 weeks as advised by your doctor for complete healing of fracture. I suggest you to do not take off splint and move your thumb and wrist until union confirmed clinically and radiologically.
Hope this will helps you. Take care.
Bump at fracture site at the base of thumb after 3 weeks could be due to callus formation.So do not worry about this.
You have to wear the splint for 6 weeks as advised by your doctor for complete healing of fracture. I suggest you to do not take off splint and move your thumb and wrist until union confirmed clinically and radiologically.
Hope this will helps you. Take care.
I find this answer helpful
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
Based on the description, I suspect the bump (which you are feeling) to be a piece of displaced bone or fragment from the fracture. I think nothing much to be worried about this.
The splint is to be worn till the fracture union which should be confirmed on xrays and clinically having no tenderness at the fracture site. If you remove the splint and make any movements, there is a likelihood of displacement of the fracture.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
Based on the description, I suspect the bump (which you are feeling) to be a piece of displaced bone or fragment from the fracture. I think nothing much to be worried about this.
The splint is to be worn till the fracture union which should be confirmed on xrays and clinically having no tenderness at the fracture site. If you remove the splint and make any movements, there is a likelihood of displacement of the fracture.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
I find this answer helpful
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