What Does This X-ray Report Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 9 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 9 Aug 2017 Answered on

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Recently my husband got fractured the base 5th metacarpal when hit a bump in the road and fell off from two-wheeler, landing on the left hand.
I have attached the X-ray reports.
Is he needed a Splint or casting?
Please advise. If so, how long? Is there any major issue with this?
Thanks in advance!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cast for 4-6 weeks.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have seen the attached reports. There is a minimally displaced fracture which needs a cast for 4-6 weeks. It will take time to heal. There is no major issue but proper rest under cast is needed for it to heal properly.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (10 minutes later)

Hello doctor, Thanks for your reply.
Just wanted to know, Why can't we go with splint as it is a small fracture.. Casting will be really heavy and immobilized.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Fibre cast can help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Splint does not provide a complete immobilization. Can cause a delay in healing. You can get a fibrecast done which is light in weight and provides a better immobilization.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar