This a break of the small bone at the bottom of the thumb
Healing
If you have a break, this takes approximately 8-12 weeks to heal. If it is only a soft tissue injury, it should heal in 2 weeks. You may have been immobilised in a temporary plaster or a splint.
Pain and swelling
Take painkillers as prescribed. Keep your hand elevated and placed against the opposite shoulder to reduce the swelling, pain and stiffness.
Using your hand
You may use the hand as pain allows
Follow up
We will arrange for an appointment in 10-14 days for assessment and possibly further x-ray. If the fracture is confirmed at this visit, you will be put in a plaster cast and seen again at 4-8 weeks to remove the cast and have another x-ray. If you have not received an appointment letter for this please contact us on the telephone number below.
Contact us
If you are worried that you or your child are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan, or, if your child is experiencing pain or symptoms, other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area, or if you have any questions, then please phone the Fracture Care Team for advice.
Please follow the plan
|
Weeks since injury |
Plan |
|
0 – 4/8 |
Your arm may be in a cast for 4- 8 weeks |
|
4/8 -12 |
Appointment to remove the cast and be seen by the hand team to confirm healing The fracture is slow to heal and can sometimes take up to 6 months. Heavy tasks or lifting may be uncomfortable. |
|
12 - 52 |
There will be some residual discomfort and wrist stiffness as part of recovery from a healed scaphoid fracture. |
Advice for a new injury
Cold packs
A cold pack (ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) can provide short-term pain relief. Apply this to the sore area for up to 15 minutes, every few hours. The ice must never be in direct contact with the skin.
Initial exercises
These exercises can be performed whilst your hand is in the cast and when your hand comes out of the cast. Perform the exercises daily as symptoms allow for 2-5 minutes
Stage 2 Exercises: 4-12 weeks
Perform the exercises daily, as symptoms allow, approximately x4-5 per day for 2-5 minutes. Squeeze a softball, playdough, plastic bottle, rolled up socks or a similar item. Do this for 30-60 seconds.
Practice hand movements, here are some examples; turning keys, picking up small objects, doing crafts or anything that involves using your hands.
Contact the Virtual fracture clinic if you are struggling to recover your movement or return to activity.
Frequently asked questions
I am concerned about my symptoms. What do I do?
Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic. If you cannot feel or move your fingers or thumb, go straight to A&E.
I haven’t received my appointment letter. What do I do?
Your first appointment will be made by the Virtual Fracture Clinic team. If you have not received your appointment letter please contact us.
How do I contact the Virtual fracture clinic?
Call 01228 814898 between the hours of 8am – 5pm Mon-Fri.
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302