spiral fracture of ring finger

FabioandFreddy

FabioandFreddy

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Just over 3 weeks ago I broke my ring finger on my right hand. It was a bit of a freak accident as was going to bring OH's horse in and had my hand still in the head collar when he spooked at something and leapt the other way. Cue instant pain and swelling! Knew it was broken from the amount of swelling so went to a & e who x rayed and confirmed and referred me to the specialist hand unit at Derby hospital the next day. They found on the x-ray I had 2 bone cysts on that finger which resulted in the bone being weakened hence why it broken so badly. And did say it was likely to have happened at some point due to the weakness as it would have got worse. Had to have surgery to plate it together and also bone graft taken from my wrist to infill the weakened areas. I'm now doing hourly physio exercises so the tendons etc don't stick to scar tissue and get the movement back which is going well.

So, my question is, has anyone else done this and if so how long did it take before you were riding again?Its another 3 weeks before I'm allowed to drive but the physio's are being very non commital about when I can ride. I assumed it would be when I could drive but they've indicated not as the bone won't be strong enough. :( I just want some idea to work with as I'm already bored crazy doing nothing and just want something to be looking forward to!

would add a pic of the break but not sure how to do it off my tablet!
 
pic - lightened area's are where the bone cysts

finger.jpg
 
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I dislocated and fractured my ring finger, but I didn't need an operation, sounds painful.

I was told not to ride for at least a couple of months but of course I did! Us horsey ladies are made of sterner stuff!

In all honesty it took 18 months before I could honestly say it was no longer painful, and about two years before I could wear my rings again, after having them altered in size because my knuckle is bigger than it used to be.

I had straps and a plastic brace that I had to wear, but I think I started riding again after a week tbh, but I obviously couldn't hold my reins properly.

That being said if you don't look after it, it will give you alot of gip. I did make sure I did my physio, you will know when you feel comfortable enough to start using it.
 
My husband broke a bone in his ring finger falling over I the bad snow of 2010.

He had to have an operation to screw the bone together. Unfortunately, despite physio etc he does have limited movement and can't wear his wedding ring as finger joint is slightly bigger.

He doesn't ride so can't advise regarding that, but he used to play golf and did struggle to hold the club.
 
My movement is actually really good after doing the physio for 2 weeks, its more the strength factor and risk of it breaking again that I guess is the issue. :(
 
I had a spiral fracture and dislocation of my ring finger in November 2012. I refused to have an operation and had an 'ice cream scoop' molded to my hand to keep my finger straight. I also had weekly occupational therapy sessions, from which I was signed off about 6 months later.

Think I initially got back on my 'safer' horse about 6 weeks later but to be honest I wasn't comfortable with it. I found I was very paranoid about using it, and rode with my reins on the middle finger instead for several months. I wouldn't ride my 'pully' horse until the following summer.

My finger will always be very wonky from the break, and twisted as it will always be partially dislocated, but 95% of the time I have no problem with it. I just have to ensure I always wear a glove on that hand if it's even a tiny bit cold and that I don't put it in ice cold water as it's circulation is rubbish, and affects the two fingers either side of it too!
 
Your main weakness is going to be the bone graft and healing. I've had a bone graft in my foot and been told at 6wks it had fused nicely on xray. However have to leave it another 2 weeks to be actually fused. Then strength builds in the fusion
So for me it will be 9 wks this week and I intend to ride for the first time in the next few days

Hope you heal as fast I do, not everyone does
 
I had a similar op on my little finger just before christmas, the physio was very vague about riding so I decided as soon as the stitches were healed so no chance of infection from dirty horse to start riding. At first I rode one handed, then was riding with splint on for a while but now 8 weeks post op I'm back to normal
 
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