Fracture of the second phalanx of the right ring finger.
April 19, 2011 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Christian Klein
Hello,
on 06.04.11 I had a work accident in which I suffered a fracture of the second phalanx on my right ring finger. I was immediately operated on and received an external fixator on the finger, which according to the surgeon should stay on for at least 4 weeks. After that (removal of the fixator and x-ray), it will be decided whether a splint still needs to be worn. I can move the second phalanx somewhat and already did so right after the surgery, but the third one only moves minimally and only with pain. What I would like to know is, I have booked a vacation to Gran Canaria on 20.05.11 and I asked the surgeon if I should cancel it, he said no and when I mentioned that I can't go on vacation if I'm on sick leave, he said we'll just write you off as healthy. It will be almost exactly 6 weeks until then, can a fracture heal in this time and the finger be functional again, meaning I can go back to work?
Since it is a work accident and the employers' liability insurance association is involved, they want me to be completely healthy again. However, if I want to cancel the vacation, I only have until the end of April to do so. Therefore, my question is, can the fracture be healed by 20.05.11 and can I be declared healthy again, or should I cancel and ask the surgeon for a certificate for the insurance? I don't want to jeopardize my treatment by going on vacation.
I would be very grateful for a response.
Best regards.
Dear patient,
Since the fracture was stabilized with a Minifixateur, it is probably not a simple oblique or transverse fracture, but rather a fracture with multiple fragments and possibly even involving the joint.
Ideally, the position of the fracture fragments will not change after 4 weeks and there will already be visible signs of healing, allowing for the Minifixateur to be removed and a splint to be applied for another 2 weeks. Gentle exercises in the form of physiotherapy could then be started out of the splint. After 6 weeks, the fracture may have healed so stably that the finger can be moved freely without the splint and without heavy stress, which would be sufficient for a job that doesn't require heavy use of the finger.
However, it is possible that there may still be some restriction of movement after the immobilization phase, with swelling and pain in the fracture area, and complete healing of the fracture gap may take another 2 weeks.
If you have a physically demanding job that requires the use of your ring finger and can't be avoided, it may realistically take up to 8 weeks to fully regain your ability to work.
Physiotherapy appointments may have to be postponed during your holiday, so I would recommend cancelling your holiday as a precaution with the help of a medical certificate to avoid any unnecessary risks to the healing process. This also eliminates any insurance issues with the Workers' Compensation Board, allowing you to enjoy your next holiday worry-free.
I hope this information is helpful.
Best regards,
Dr. Ch. Klein
