So I Should Have Gone To A & E

[jourdain2]

Slipped and tipped head-first down concrete cellar steps just before Xmas, saved myself by grabbing rope banister, but left wrist twisted and hurt like ****. Not being one to panic, I iced it, strapped it up with crepe bandage and carried on regardless, assuming it was a bad strain and would mend. Finally went to GP who sent me for X-ray today and it seems that I have in fact broken the trapezium bone.

Looked this up and its not a very common fracture and can end up requiring surgery! Help, we are trying to pack to move house! Has anyone had this break and know anything about the success rate of immobilisation for 6 weeks? It's very difficult to type with the wrist all immobile now, so apologies to all for any errors over the next weeks.

[Sqad]

Yes......you should have gone to A&E.

No I have never broken my trapezioum.

Success:...depends....if there is minimal displacement on X-Ray then a plaster cast should do the trick with little or no problems.

if there is marked displacement, then the treatment and outcome is more debatable.

From what you have said, you have an undisplaced fracture and should heal well without serious sequele.

[jourdain2]

Thank you sqad. So far as I could gather (rapid medical French and I'm pretty good, but there are always bits you miss) it is undisplaced. My GP sent me for X-ray not suspecting a broken bone but thinking I might have displaced one of the bones. Have to go for another X-ray in 7 days to see how it is going. Fingers crossed (on the other hand, obviously)!

[Sqad]

LOL.....it should heal without further problems.

[jourdain2]

sqad ... :o)