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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Has Metacarpal Spiral Fracture On Finger, Cast Removed. How Long To Heal?

My 11 year old daughter has a metacarpal spiral fracture of her 3rd (middle) finger . She had it in a cast fully immobilized for 4 weeks. We have had the cast removed but the fracture line is still visible. I was told kids heal quickly but it just seems like it is taking forever. The bone was not fractured apart the last xray showed that the middle was not completely filled in yet. How much longer will it take. She is a competitive cheerleader and we know she wont be able to tumble till at least the 8 week mark but are we being too optimistic thinking that?
Mon, 7 Jan 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,
Bones takes 2-3 months to unite completely and the process of remodeling and consolidation takes carries on for years together. But this should not concern you much( all technical stuff). In the process of bone healing there is "stage of calcification " in which calcium and other other minerals fills up the gap. only when more than 50% of the calcium is deposited , it is visible on X rays.
what I want to say is that the radiological (x ray) union always lags behind the clinical union i.e bones may have united but they are not visible on x rays. it takes 6-8 weeks for x rays to show the union. So x rays should not concern you, the bone may have already be united.
my advise to you is DONT WORRY. But avoid heavy activity with that hand until 3 months as the bone is united but not consolidated. it may refracture.
I hope you are satisfied.
take care.
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Has Metacarpal Spiral Fracture On Finger, Cast Removed. How Long To Heal?

Hello, Bones takes 2-3 months to unite completely and the process of remodeling and consolidation takes carries on for years together. But this should not concern you much( all technical stuff). In the process of bone healing there is stage of calcification in which calcium and other other minerals fills up the gap. only when more than 50% of the calcium is deposited , it is visible on X rays. what I want to say is that the radiological (x ray) union always lags behind the clinical union i.e bones may have united but they are not visible on x rays. it takes 6-8 weeks for x rays to show the union. So x rays should not concern you, the bone may have already be united. my advise to you is DONT WORRY. But avoid heavy activity with that hand until 3 months as the bone is united but not consolidated. it may refracture. I hope you are satisfied. take care.