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Hello My Healthy 64 Year Old Wife Broke Her Index
Question: Hello
My healthy 64 year old wife broke her index finger(dip joint) 4 months ago and it is crooked and chronically tender, swollen with occasional redness and warmth. She wondered what are percentage risks for osteomyelitis or other complications if not treated. She is reluctant to treat because of COVID. Is there anything she can do to mitigate risk/discomfort until she sees a doctor next year? Would splinting or inactivity possibly help?
Thanks! XXXXXXX
My healthy 64 year old wife broke her index finger(dip joint) 4 months ago and it is crooked and chronically tender, swollen with occasional redness and warmth. She wondered what are percentage risks for osteomyelitis or other complications if not treated. She is reluctant to treat because of COVID. Is there anything she can do to mitigate risk/discomfort until she sees a doctor next year? Would splinting or inactivity possibly help?
Thanks! XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for the query
It is advisable to get a an xray to see if the injury involves a fracture or non-bony avulsion injury. Splinting in an extension splint is usually sufficient till healing (about 6 weeks) but an xray is required to confirm the reduction of the Fracture if any.
Since it is still hurting after 4 months, it could be delayed union of a fracture and added stiffness of the joint.
Osteomyelitis is extremely rare when there is no open injury and surgery hasn't been performed.
I would suggest getting an xray first to see what we are dealing with and then take it from there.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Aashish Raghu
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for the query
It is advisable to get a an xray to see if the injury involves a fracture or non-bony avulsion injury. Splinting in an extension splint is usually sufficient till healing (about 6 weeks) but an xray is required to confirm the reduction of the Fracture if any.
Since it is still hurting after 4 months, it could be delayed union of a fracture and added stiffness of the joint.
Osteomyelitis is extremely rare when there is no open injury and surgery hasn't been performed.
I would suggest getting an xray first to see what we are dealing with and then take it from there.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Aashish Raghu
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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