A Rolando fracture is a painful thumb fracture where the bone at the base of the thumb breaks into three or more pieces, often caused by hitting a hard surface. Surgery is usually required, and even after healing, limited use of the thumb may occur.
A Rolando fracture is a type of bone fracture occurring at the base of the thumb, first described by Silvio Rolando in the early 20th century. The bone at the base of the thumb usually breaks into three or more pieces during this type of fracture and is usually very painful. A person with this type of fracture usually has very limited use of the thumb. Even after surgery, which is the recommended treatment for this type of thumb fracture, the patient may still have limited use of the thumb, depending on the severity of the fracture.
The joint where the thumb meets the hand is known as the trapezius-metacarpal joint. This joint is responsible for the thumb’s wide range of motion. It allows the thumb to move up and down and side to side. It also allows a person to pinch or grab something.
Thumb fractures can be very debilitating. A Bennett fracture is another type of fracture that occurs at the base of the thumb, but is often less severe than a Rolando fracture. With a Rolando fracture, the bone at the base of the thumb is usually broken into at least three pieces. Many times, the fracture will be Y-shaped or T-shaped.
A Rolando fracture can occur when the thumb or hand strikes a very hard surface. This can happen when a person punches something hard, like a wall, for example. It can also occur during a fall.
Severe pain is typically the most common symptom of a Rolando fracture. The hand will usually be very tender, especially at the base of the thumb. A person with these types of thumb fractures is usually unable to move their thumb well. Swelling and bruising may also occur.
Medical experts advise that patients with these symptoms seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Delayed treatment could result in limited use of the hand. A Rolando fracture is typically diagnosed with the use of X-rays.
Treatment of a Rolando fracture usually requires surgery. In many cases, screws and metal pins may be needed to reconstruct the thumb joint. The wires, known as Kirschner wires, can also be used to compress bone fragments together until they heal.
Patients with a severe Rolando fracture may have pain or limited use of their thumbs even after the fractures heal. Generally, the more pieces the bone breaks, the worse the prognosis. If the bones are not aligned properly during treatment, this could also lead to limited thumb function.
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