Fractured Pinky Finger?

[Mike45]

Last Friday night I injured my pinky finger. I caught it in a recliner. I went to the hospital in Det Udon Ubon Ratchathani. They took X-rays and told me it wasn't broken. Put it in an aluminum padded splint and wrapped it up.

I've never injured a finger like this before and I am concerned that it might actually be fractured ( hairline or buckle) and not healing properly.

I am really hopeful that I can end up without a permanently bent or crooked finger. I know it doesn't look like much.

What do you think?

[Payboy]

I think you need a gold pinkie ring.

[David48]

If you think it's broken, firstly take something for the pain relief and to reduce swelling.

Remove the gold ring.

Buy an ice-cream ... the one with a 'stick'. Measure the length of your pinkie and cut the stick a little shorter then it.

Slide the ice-cream stick inbetween the damaged finger and the next and tape.

The ice cream stick will act as a splint.

Imagine this with an ice-cream sick shoved in between the two fingers.

Alternative

Cheap Charlie ... cheaper then the ice-cream stick!

Rich Farang medicine approach

Hope that helps ...

.

Edited February 18, 2013 by David48

[endure]

I think that if you went to a hospital and they x-rayed it their advice is probably more reliable than expecting medically unqualified strangers to make a diagnosis from a web picture. Perhaps you could ask the local witch doctor? After all they're probably better qualified to advise you than the medically qualified doctors at a hospital. Jeez...

[Mike45]

Endure

I realize that this is not really much of an injury and is not something to get worked up about.

I do however realize that medicine is practiced by many different kinds of doctors with different abilities. I don't have as much faith in the young resident that treated me in reading the X-ray as I would a Radiologist or Orthopedic Specialist. I also don't have any experience to rely on myself.

[Mike45]

I just don't like the way it's healing.

I think it should be straighter than it is.

[Mike45]

I think you need a gold pinkie ring.

Oh so you like my wedding ring. Thanks!

[Rsquared]

Unless you play the piano or some other musical instrument, or are you a "hand model".....I wouldn't worry too much.

If it heals a little crooked, then it will be permanent reminder to always be careful where you put your fingers.

David has once again used his research skills and shown some good examples of splints. If it is fractured as you suggest, there is nothing more the doctor can do than what David has shown you.

[Payboy]

I think you need a gold pinkie ring.

Oh so you like my wedding ring. Thanks!

Absolutely love it.

[Mike45]

If you think it's broken, firstly take something for the pain relief and to reduce swelling.

Remove the gold ring.

Buy an ice-cream ... the one with a 'stick'. Measure the length of your pinkie and cut the stick a little shorter then it.

Slide the ice-cream stick inbetween the damaged finger and the next and tape.

The ice cream stick will act as a splint.

Imagine this with an ice-cream sick shoved in between the two fingers.

Alternative

Cheap Charlie ... cheaper then the ice-cream stick!

Rich Farang medicine approach

Hope that helps ...

.

David

Thanks for the advice

The hospital put on the rich farang model. But it wasn't tight and it hasn't held me finger straight. Hence my concern about it not healing straight. I'm just trying to avoid having to have it rebroken to set it properly.

[Carib]

If you think it's broken, firstly take something for the pain relief and to reduce swelling.

Remove the gold ring.

Buy an ice-cream ... the one with a 'stick'. Measure the length of your pinkie and cut the stick a little shorter then it.

Slide the ice-cream stick inbetween the damaged finger and the next and tape.

The ice cream stick will act as a splint.

Imagine this with an ice-cream sick shoved in between the two fingers.

Alternative

Cheap Charlie ... cheaper then the ice-cream stick!

Rich Farang medicine approach

Hope that helps ...

.

David

Thanks for the advice

The hospital put on the rich farang model. But it wasn't tight and it hasn't held me finger straight. Hence my concern about it not healing straight. I'm just trying to avoid having to have it rebroken to set it properly.

If it wasn't broken, it can`t be rebroken. Give it time.

[Mike45]

Unless you play the piano or some other musical instrument, or are you a "hand model".....I wouldn't worry too much.

If it heals a little crooked, then it will be permanent reminder to always be careful where you put your fingers.

David has once again used his research skills and shown some good examples of splints. If it is fractured as you suggest, there is nothing more the doctor can do than what David has shown you.

As a matter of fact I do use my hands for some very precise work. That's why I have decided to go see an Orthopedic doctor today in Ubon.

While I have no prior experience with this myself my gut tells me that if I can get it set properly I can avoid a crooked finger. I realize its not very important to most people and that probably explains why so many people are living with crooked previously injured fingers.

[Mike45]

If you think it's broken, firstly take something for the pain relief and to reduce swelling.

Remove the gold ring.

Buy an ice-cream ... the one with a 'stick'. Measure the length of your pinkie and cut the stick a little shorter then it.

Slide the ice-cream stick inbetween the damaged finger and the next and tape.

The ice cream stick will act as a splint.

Imagine this with an ice-cream sick shoved in between the two fingers.

Alternative

Cheap Charlie ... cheaper then the ice-cream stick!

Rich Farang medicine approach

Hope that helps ...

.

David

Thanks for the advice

The hospital put on the rich farang model. But it wasn't tight and it hasn't held me finger straight. Hence my concern about it not healing straight. I'm just trying to avoid having to have it rebroken to set it properly.

If it wasn't broken, it can`t be rebroken. Give it time.

I agree ....but was it broken? I believe it was contrary to what the resident doctor said.

I remember my son fracturing something years ago. The emergency room said it wasn't fractured. The next day the Radiologist reviewed it and called to setup an appointment to check it's healing progress.

I think reading X-rays, identifying small fractures, might be more difficult than most assume.

[Mike45]

If you think it's broken, firstly take something for the pain relief and to reduce swelling.

Remove the gold ring.

Buy an ice-cream ... the one with a 'stick'. Measure the length of your pinkie and cut the stick a little shorter then it.

Slide the ice-cream stick inbetween the damaged finger and the next and tape.

The ice cream stick will act as a splint.

Imagine this with an ice-cream sick shoved in between the two fingers.

Alternative

Cheap Charlie ... cheaper then the ice-cream stick!

Rich Farang medicine approach

Hope that helps ...

.

David

Thanks for the advice

The hospital put on the rich farang model. But it wasn't tight and it hasn't held me finger straight. Hence my concern about it not healing straight. I'm just trying to avoid having to have it rebroken to set it properly.

If it wasn't broken, it can`t be rebroken. Give it time.

I agree ....but was it broken? I believe it was contrary to what the resident doctor said.

I remember my son fracturing something years ago. The emergency room said it wasn't fractured. The next day the Radiologist reviewed it and called to setup an appointment to check it's healing progress.

I think reading X-rays, identifying small fractures, might be more difficult than most assume.

Oops!

Meant to say the Radiologist said it WAS fractured and setup an appointment.

[jrtmedic]

Giving advise here is difficult ! -- We don't have the x-ray and of course it is not possible to examine your finger !

Speaking generally fractures of the terminal phalanx (end bone of your finger) are of academic importance and they will always heal. If a fracture actually involves the joint the issue is a little more challenging but not much ! You may, of course, have damaged the extensor tendon (the tendon which straightens your finger) in which case a simple splint is used for about 6 weeks ( The paper clip technique shown above would work !)

Seeing as you are going to see an Othobod I will place my bet on your finger being bruised with an outside possibility of you having damaged the extensor tendon!

I will be interested in the outcome

Best wishes

[David48]

I think that if you went to a hospital and they x-rayed it their advice is probably more reliable than expecting medically unqualified strangers to make a diagnosis from a web picture. Perhaps you could ask the local witch doctor? After all they're probably better qualified to advise you than the medically qualified doctors at a hospital. Jeez...

Come on endure ... I expected better.

My gf calls me Dr David ... is that not qualified enough?

Plus, I happen to know the Ice-Cream seller in the OP's neighbourhood, and after Winter, business has been slow, so I just wanted to boost it along ...

Actually Rsquared, the paddle pop stick (we are Aussies) and the bit of tape is a popular cure for dislocated or suspected broken fingers from my Footy days. That ... and a bucket of ice to reduce the swelling.

I only found the other images when I went looking for an image to explain what I was suggesting ... you know ... a picture and a 1,000 words and all that.

Have to say though ... the paper clip was a new twist I'd not seen before ... hesitant to try that myself though ...

[Mrjlh]

Ask me again in 8 years after I get my medical degree. Then I'll need to charge you my standard Internet fee of 10,000B. But for a non medical second opinion, looks like you bruised it, if the Doctors said it wasn't broken. Don't need to wrap it. Just "Ice" it occasionally. Get drunk pass out and you won't feel a thing until the next morning. Your hang over will also help diminish the pain. Can't say the same for the hangover but you;ll you'll forget about your finger.

[Payboy]

OP, don't believe all these fear-mongers. I put those photos through my iPad X-ray app. It seems you'll be just fine.

[Sheryl]

Was the film read by a radiologist or just the doc on duty at the ER (which, if this is a govt hospital, may have been a recent graduate with little experience)?

Makes a big difference.

As you are concerned I suggest you get the actual film from the hospital (by law they have to give it to you on request) and bring it to an experienced ortho for interpretation.

[Mike45]

Went to the big government hospital. The first new X-ray looked the same as the one previously. This also new resident days not broken. I said I think it is broken so she goes to see her teacher the main ortho guy. He looks at the second X-ray and says broken. Says it will require surgery and must be wired together. I'm in the hospital now waiting for the surgery tonight.

Hope I'm doing the right thing.

[jrtmedic]

Bad luck. You are "doing the right thing" it needs fixing !

Do not expect to regain 100% function in the finger.

Best wishes

[Rsquared]

Good luck with your recovery Mike.....you have piqued my interest as to what you do with your hands that concerns you with your injured pinkie.

I admire anybody that can do extraordinary things with their hands.....I still remember watching in awe when my grandmother was crocheting, I never followed-up, but I am still impressed at what people can do.

So if you don't mind Mike, could you please share with us what your skill is?

Cheers.

[Mike45]

Part of what I do is with micro electronics under a microscope and delicate work. Sometimes just placing my hands in locations that require a careful touch making adjustments.

[Rsquared]

Part of what I do is with micro electronics under a microscope and delicate work. Sometimes just placing my hands in locations that require a careful touch making adjustments.

Thanks Mike, sounds interesting work, now I can fully appreciate your concern.

Hope it all works out the best for you.

Cheers.

[Mike45]

The surgery is completed and the surgeon was very pleased with the outcome. Time will tell. I will have to have the wires that are protruding from my finger removed in about 30 days.

The long metal thing is a guard taped to my finger.

[Sheryl]

Thanks for the update.

Your story is a classic example of the importance of trusting your own judgement/instinct and persisting when it tells you that the doctors have overlooked something important.

Also, of the need to be aware that the front line docs in government hospitals are interns or (usually very junior, especially upcountry) residents and not to hesitate to push to speak with their Chief or Attending if you think they've missed

In Thailand especially since the fear oi losing face and "krieng jai" towards superiors makes doctors less willing to seek help from more experienced docs than their counterparts elsewhere would be.