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Lisa R. Reznick MD, PA

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Bennett's Fracture - Fracture of the Base of the Thumb

  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Surgery
  • Recovery

Introduction

A Bennett’s fracture occurs when the bone at the base of the thumb breaks and dislocates.  It results from a forceful injury, such as during fist fighting, playing football, accidents, or a fall.  A Bennett’s fracture causes thumb swelling, pain, and immobility.  Treatment entails realigning the broken bone and providing stabilization while it heals.
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Anatomy

The metacarpal bone at the base of your thumb and the trapezium bone in your wrist meet to form the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.  Smooth cartilage covers the ends of the metacarpal and trapezium.  The cartilage allows the bones to glide easily during motion.  Strong ligaments and muscles hold the CMC joint in position and provide a combination of mobility and stability.
 
Your thumb joint is the only joint in your hand that can move in all directions.  Your thumb can move up and down, in and out, and rotate slightly to touch your fingers (opposition).  You move your thumbs hundreds of times each day. The movements of the thumb allow it to work as an anchor to help the fingers hold objects.  The thumb works as a grip when you use a hammer or hold a glass.  The thumb also acts as a stabilizer to allow your fingers to manipulate items.  You use such precision movements for such activities as counting coins and handwriting. A tendon that attaches to the base of the thumb metacarpal, called the abductor pollicis longus, is responsible for the joint dislocation that can occur with a Bennett’s fracture.
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Causes

A Bennett’s fracture occurs when the metacarpal bone in the thumb breaks and dislocates at the base of the thumb.  Forces that impact the bent thumb cause this injury.  Bennett’s fractures can result from any significant forces placed on the base of the thumb, such as sports, falls and accidents.
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Symptoms

A Bennett’s fracture causes your thumb to feel painful and stiff.  Your thumb area will swell.  Your thumb may be unstable and therefore difficult to move normally.  Over time, it is common for an old poorly treated Bennett’s fracture to develop arthritis.  This is because the joint at the base of the thumb was not realigned properly.
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Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose a Bennett’s fracture by examining your hand and taking X-rays.  In some cases, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be used to provide a more detailed image.
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Treatment

Small uncomplicated fractures, without displacement of the bone fragments, are treated non-surgically.  This means that the bones can be held in the correct alignment without surgically opening the skin.  In this case, a splint and or a cast is used.  A thumb spica cast or splint is worn to maintain positioning while the Bennett’s fracture heals.  Fractures that require realignment are reduced surgically and stabilized with pins, screws or plates.
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Surgery

A Bennett’s fracture can also be treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).  This means that an incision is made at the base of the thumb.  Surgical hardware, such as screws , pins or plates are used to align the fracture to allow it to heal in the correct position.  A thumb spica cast or splint is worn for several weeks following surgery.  Therapy for range of motion of the thumb is started when your doctor determines it is safe to do so.
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Recovery

Casts are usually worn for four to six weeks.  Once removed, you will participate in hand therapy exercises to increase the mobility, flexibility, and strength in your hand.  Generally, Bennett’s fractures caused by low impact forces have better outcomes than injuries caused by high forces.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

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Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. After the surgery, while the stitches were still in and the brace still in place, I had more flexibility in my fingers than I had before the surgery. I am six weeks out from the surgery and I continue to progress. I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

Nancy L.

via md.com

Seeing Dr. Reznick and being treated by her is like going to heaven with millions of angels. She can not only treat your hand, she treats the soul. She is the best!!!

Les D.

via healthgrades.com

Amazing visit. I can't remember the last time I spent quality time with a doctor. She explained everything to me on why I was having trigger finger issues. I have been dealing with this for some time. She nailed it on the first visit ‘cause she talks to you and listens! If you need a hand doctor you will be happy she is the one.

Anonymous

via healthgrades.com

Dr. Reznick is one of the most professional, sensitive and caring physicians I have visited. She is a teacher--patient and informative, and she made sure I understood just exactly what was necessary for my particular problems. She took care of both my left and right carpal tunnel surgeries, and I couldn't have asked for a better recovery. Everything went just as planned. She is my ‘go to’ hand doctor!

Anonymous

healthgrades.com

When I was having problems with my wrist, she guided me through every step, and always made sure I was comfortable with what she was doing. Very straightforward and trustworthy. I never doubted what she was doing and she always wants to try every technique before doing surgery to try to make you better.

Shannon C.

healthgrades.com

I recently rode 900 miles on a vibrating Harley-Davidson and did not have a single tingle in either of my hands. You do great work. Thanks for helping me.

Ed G.

Just wanted to let you know again how much I appreciated your care, expertise and skill in conducting the surgery on my hand. A job well done. Thank you.

Randall A.

My surgery went very well. My banjo and I thank you.

Kevin M.

Dr. Lisa Reznick has performed carpal tunnel surgery on both hands and has removed my basal joint from my right hand. All of my surgeries have been successful, and I now have complete use of both hands and my right thumb, which I credit to a great surgeon, good therapy, and a genuine concern for patients.

Robert

My hand is in perfect working order because of your expertise. I appreciate your genuine concern for my healing. Through the myriad of maladies my husband experienced, I became acquainted with many doctors. None even approached your level of patient care.

Trudy R.

Dr. Reznick performed surgery on my hand for ‘trigger finger’ and did a wonderful job. I’ll definitely user her again if the need ever presents itself again.

Don L.

Dr. Reznick is very to the point and no nonsense. She tells you what options there are in your treatment and advises you accordingly. I had hand surgery four years ago and it was a complete success. I actually went back to work one week early. I have recommended Dr. Reznick to many friends and associates. Frankly, I won’t go to anyone else when it comes to muscles or bones. I have complete faith in her.

J. Schully

via vitals.com
Testimonials

Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. [Now] I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

~ Nancy L. via md.com

Lisa R. Reznick MD, PA

Board Certified Orthopedic and Hand Surgeon

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4100 Fairway Court, Suite 120
Carrollton, TX 75010
Phone: (972) 395-9000
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In Carrollton, TX, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lisa Reznick offers conservative treatment options for all types of general orthopedic issues, while specializing in surgeries of the hand, wrist, and elbow.