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What Treatment Options Are Recommended For A Fractured Ring Finger?
Hi, I have had intermittent ring finger pain for 5 years (I am currently 30) and had a fracture at that site a little over a month ago. X-Ray and MRI identified a solitary enchondroma in that finger- 3.3cm x 1cm x 9mm (length, width, depth) intamedullary lesion proximal phalanx. The finger is healing well, I am slowly gaining back mobility. I sought two doctor opinions and was provided with the following advice: 1) From a top orthopedic surgeon in the valley: removal of tumor, fill with Iliac crest autograft. Surgery is set for April 21 2) Second opinion: removal of tumor, cadaver allograft. Warned me he would have to cut through tendon and I may never have full function of finger (I realize that may be a risk regardless of the doctor I choose). I would like to go with doctor #1, but after online research am very concerned about risk of long term pain associated with the hip graft site. I am a very fit and active person and this would have a hugely negative impact on my life. Although I was tested for a bleeding disorder as a child and results were normal, I also had serious bleeding complications after a tonsillectomy which makes me even more nervous. I suggested using a synthetic bone graft to doctor #1 and he said he would do whatever I wanted, but that the autograft was the best choice and that s what he would do in my position. I realize I am not a doctor or an expert by any means. I am seeking any further advice from other orthopedic doctors regarding the advice they would provide to a patient in this situation. Thanks so much for your time.
Mon, 9 May 2016
Hello,
I can understand your concern. The main concern with any graft is its acceptance by the body. The graft has come from a different site or source and it is boy's immune system's work to accept it as its own. Now, if the graft is taken from your own body, it is easy for the immune system to accept it as the body's own bone and making it stay there as a single unit with other structures of the finger as it had always been there. Synthetic bone grafts may not always give these good results.
As a far as pain in the hip is concerned, you are bound to feel pain for at least a month and should be prepared for that. You will limp in the very start and it will surely take time to heal and get back in normal function, but patients do lead normal painfree life after iliac crest graft procedure. If the doctor follows strict aseptic protocols during surgery, you should not worry about this graft just due to fear of pain.
In addition, you were tested negative for bleeding disorder. You will also have to go through blood test before surgery to prevent any complications during and after surgery. Tonsillectomy is always associated with bleeding complications as very large blood vessels in the area and that episode was controlled successfully by doctors, too.
In short, going for iliac crest graft is the first good option along with option 1 for choosing doctor.
I hope this answer helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. Let me know if I can answer you for your any other concern.
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
I can understand your concern. The main concern with any graft is its acceptance by the body. The graft has come from a different site or source and it is boy's immune system's work to accept it as its own. Now, if the graft is taken from your own body, it is easy for the immune system to accept it as the body's own bone and making it stay there as a single unit with other structures of the finger as it had always been there. Synthetic bone grafts may not always give these good results.
As a far as pain in the hip is concerned, you are bound to feel pain for at least a month and should be prepared for that. You will limp in the very start and it will surely take time to heal and get back in normal function, but patients do lead normal painfree life after iliac crest graft procedure. If the doctor follows strict aseptic protocols during surgery, you should not worry about this graft just due to fear of pain.
In addition, you were tested negative for bleeding disorder. You will also have to go through blood test before surgery to prevent any complications during and after surgery. Tonsillectomy is always associated with bleeding complications as very large blood vessels in the area and that episode was controlled successfully by doctors, too.
In short, going for iliac crest graft is the first good option along with option 1 for choosing doctor.
I hope this answer helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. Let me know if I can answer you for your any other concern.
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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