Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hi Dr. Tayal, As Per ER Doctor Instruction, I Was
Question: Hi Dr. Tayal,
As per ER doctor instruction, I was evaluated by an Orthopedic Surgeon - I had an appointment yesterday. It turns out that I have experienced a chip fracture of the distal phalanx. (So the initial X-rays and MRI results and reads were not accurately presented to me in Serbia or were difficulty to read as they were taken on the day of the injury). I was told that the swelling will persist for 6-8 months and I will likely always have a limitation of ROM. However, neither of these will be of functional consequence, due to the nature and location of the fracture. I was also told to limit painful movements, but that it's unlikely this will turn into a chronic issue. I would like your opinion on this as well.
As per ER doctor instruction, I was evaluated by an Orthopedic Surgeon - I had an appointment yesterday. It turns out that I have experienced a chip fracture of the distal phalanx. (So the initial X-rays and MRI results and reads were not accurately presented to me in Serbia or were difficulty to read as they were taken on the day of the injury). I was told that the swelling will persist for 6-8 months and I will likely always have a limitation of ROM. However, neither of these will be of functional consequence, due to the nature and location of the fracture. I was also told to limit painful movements, but that it's unlikely this will turn into a chronic issue. I would like your opinion on this as well.
Brief Answer:
Can heal in 6-8 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
If a chip fracture is seen then a persistent pain is likely. The fracture takes 6-8 weeks to heal properly.
You need to wait and give the joint a rest till it heals properly. After that the pain will subside completely. Mild limitation of ROM may happen due to the position of the chip fracture.
You can get a check X-ray done after that to confirm that the bone has healed and the chip has not displaced. This is not likely to result in a chronic pain. No need to worry.
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
Can heal in 6-8 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
If a chip fracture is seen then a persistent pain is likely. The fracture takes 6-8 weeks to heal properly.
You need to wait and give the joint a rest till it heals properly. After that the pain will subside completely. Mild limitation of ROM may happen due to the position of the chip fracture.
You can get a check X-ray done after that to confirm that the bone has healed and the chip has not displaced. This is not likely to result in a chronic pain. No need to worry.
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
Brief Answer:
It is better to avoid running.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
You have a mildly displaced fracture of the distal phalanx. Running can increase the displacement thus making the healing even more difficult. It is best to avoid running as of now and indulge yourself in less stressful activities and allow the area proper rest to heal.
Once it heals properly then there may not be any further long term consequences.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
It is better to avoid running.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
You have a mildly displaced fracture of the distal phalanx. Running can increase the displacement thus making the healing even more difficult. It is best to avoid running as of now and indulge yourself in less stressful activities and allow the area proper rest to heal.
Once it heals properly then there may not be any further long term consequences.
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
Hi Dr. Tayal, here's the official read of my XRays:
"Comminuted intra-articular mildly displaced fracture involving the right
first distal phalanx plantar medial base. Displaced ossific fracture
fragment arising from the dorsal lateral aspect of the right first
proximal phalanx head. No dislocations.
Mild pes planus deformity."
The surgeon I saw did not flat out told me to stop running, but encouraged me to "be smart" and perhaps do a different exercise activity until the injury heals. He also told me that functionally, long-term, this is an inconsequential injury.
I am at a bit of cross-roads: I have very little/no pain in the affected area while running. Given the Xrays findings, however, what am I risking as a long term issue if I continue to run for the next three months? I have a running race in October. I plan to take a lengthy break from running. I just can't decide if I should to do it now or in three months. If I am reasonably certain that I won't make the injury significantly worse by running the next three months, then I'll likely wait with rest until then.
Thank you for your kindness on this journey. :-)
"Comminuted intra-articular mildly displaced fracture involving the right
first distal phalanx plantar medial base. Displaced ossific fracture
fragment arising from the dorsal lateral aspect of the right first
proximal phalanx head. No dislocations.
Mild pes planus deformity."
The surgeon I saw did not flat out told me to stop running, but encouraged me to "be smart" and perhaps do a different exercise activity until the injury heals. He also told me that functionally, long-term, this is an inconsequential injury.
I am at a bit of cross-roads: I have very little/no pain in the affected area while running. Given the Xrays findings, however, what am I risking as a long term issue if I continue to run for the next three months? I have a running race in October. I plan to take a lengthy break from running. I just can't decide if I should to do it now or in three months. If I am reasonably certain that I won't make the injury significantly worse by running the next three months, then I'll likely wait with rest until then.
Thank you for your kindness on this journey. :-)
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
