ER set finger with a Velcro splint.Said to call hand doctor who said would be 14 days before repair finger.?

Question

The ER doctors said the hand doctor would probably repair the finger with a steel pin. Called hand doctor for an appointment. Earliest he can see me is two weeks. Is it okay to let a broken finger, that probably will need a steel pin, go for 14 days?

Answer 1

See if your doctor could get ahold of another hand doctor or go and get a second opinion from another doctor and see what he would recommend.

Answer 2

You might have a simple problem (like a Mallet finger in which the extensor tendon is detached from the bone at the tip of the finger.) These are at times fixed the way the ER doc indicated. Still I am not a fan of waiting for two weeks to know what the problem might be. Some problems are better addressed earlier.

I would find another surgeon who can see you sooner. Bring any xrays they did in the ER with you to your appointment.

Answer 3

Yes, it should. If it is a tendon injury as previously mentioned, the sooner the better, but you can wait as long as you can tolerate the splint. IF there is a broken bone involved I would recomend 2 weeks as the very latest that you should see the doctor. Otherwise deformities and decreased funtion could occur over the long term if the appropriate treatment isn't started once the bone starts healing.

Answer 4

Its okay if your good with the pain. Usually the finger will start to heal the way it is. and it will have to be re broken if you need to get work done on it. I think you should go see another doctor.

Answer 5

I'd call the ER that treated you and ask the doc there. It may not change the treatment at all.

Answer 6

i would see if you could find someone else...that sounds too painful to let go for two weeks!