Fractured radial sesamoid bone in thumb

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So last Tuesday I injured my left thumb, pain and swelling since. Today I had it X-rayed as it hadn't improved and it shows that I have actually fractured the radial sesamoid bone. A&E staff put a bandage on for temporary support and advised me to buy a thumb splint from any pharmacy. I have been looking and ringing shops/pharmacy's all over my home town but no where sells them. I've resorted to buying one on-line and hoping it arrives before Christmas, but I want to know is there any particular type I should be buying? Not really an option to ask on-line retailers so I've had to buy one that looks like it's supportive enough

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Im presuming you have purchased a leather one because the plastic ones have to fit really well or they can chaff your skin, why didn't they fit you with one, is it a hairline fracture

    • Posted

      I haven't purchased a leather one, it's fabric I think. Not a lot of option as I had to get one that would deliver by Christmas! The fracture isn't a hairline one either, it looks like it's in 2 pieces as I was shown the x-ray. He just said for me to buy a splint as the bandage would get dirty and said it should get better within 6 weeks

    • Posted

      material one should be fine, are you to wear it 24/7 to start with, i would say yes and when are you to go back and see the fracture nurse

      don't exercise the area at all until you know its healed

    • Posted

      I was never told how often to wear it but I presume all the time. I was told there's no need to come back for a follow up appointment, just to come back if the thumb stiffens or gets more painful as physio could be needed

    • Posted

      I forgot to say I was told to treat it as a sprain rather than a break, as nothing can be done about it other than splinting it

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