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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Thumb Fracture In An Accident. How Long Before The Thumb Starts To Heal On Its Own And What's The Difference Between A Break And A Fracture?

I had a car accident in late July. In the emergency room the doctor told me my right thumb was fractured. So far I have not been able to get into a specialist, as they said I should, because of other circumstances. How long before the thumb starts to heal on its own? What's the difference between a break and a fracture?
Wed, 14 Aug 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

Any break in the continuity of the cortex of a bone is termed as fracture. So both the words "break" & "fracture" mean the same.

A thumb fracture takes around 4-6 weeks to unite or heal with adequate immobilization.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Thumb Fracture In An Accident. How Long Before The Thumb Starts To Heal On Its Own And What's The Difference Between A Break And A Fracture?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. Any break in the continuity of the cortex of a bone is termed as fracture. So both the words break & fracture mean the same. A thumb fracture takes around 4-6 weeks to unite or heal with adequate immobilization. Hope this information is helpful. Good day