Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Help on Thumb Dislocation

Help on Thumb Dislocation
Thumb dislocation is a condition where the ligaments joining the bones and surrounding structures gets injured or ruptured. These ligaments when get ruptured totally and wholly they make the thumb to move from its original location. This makes the normal functioning of thumb disrupted and causes sever pain. Dislocated thumb does not necessarily mean itchy throat thumb fracture or bone fracture but it always means broken ligaments that keep the joint stable and in position. The thumb joint from wrist to first finger is surrounded by two kinds of ligaments when injured or ruptured affects the normal functioning and movement of thumb. The main cause of problem in this situation is the problem with stabilization of the joint that affects almost all day to day activities.


Thumb dislocation symptoms


The accidental rupture to the ligament leads to tear in thumb which mainly causes severe pain and swelling. With proper physical examination by the doctor one could see loose lower ends of the thumb when moved cause severe pain. With total rupture in ligaments clear dislocation is quite visible with the thumb position. Doctor might test the motility and stability of thumb joint by holding form wrist and moving the thumb up and down. If this causes unbearable pain then immediate surgery might be required depending on the doctor.


Diagnosis


The diagnosis is mostly done by a radiograph of the joint that mostly displays rupture in surrounding ligaments. This does not mostly show break or fracture in the bone of metacarpal or thumb.


Treatment


If the ligaments are ruptured partially then surgical treatment is not necessary and other treatment options are used. The good thing is, rupture in ligaments of not always affect thumb joint or affect the stability of the joint. Therefore a sling or plaster to the thumb and first finger to let the ligament grow normally. It is kept on the joint for more than three weeks to let the ligament grow normally and restore joint stability. The normal motion does not regain instantly and requires long time even after removal of plaster cast. If the ligament is totally ruptured then surgical procedure is carried on to reduce the pain and retain normal functionality. The decision of surgery is totally dependant on the will of patient because total rupture of ligament does not affect the life sustainability like in other fractures.


There are very rare chances of complications in dislocated thumb. Some include stiffness of thumb, problems with movement and others. Doctor might advice complete rest to the affected hand for several weeks to develop the ligament back in position.










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