Dr. in the house?

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1871 Posts XTreme Poster

Any kiting Dr's reading this? I am in a foreign land for two weeks and dislocated my ring finger. When it went it was out at the middle joint--just forward (towards the finger tips of where the wedding band sits). Finger was bent down, and about 20 degrees towards my thumb after that joint. I was able to pull it and put it back. When I bent my finger again it popped out again. Pulled it back into place. Almost no pain at all, and moderate swelling around the joint.

From what I can see on the net, buddy tape it to the next finger and splint it in a neutral position for three weeks. I can still kite, but no tricks, jumps, etc. I did this on Sunday.

Anything else I can/should do while here? I am on a very small island with only a clinic.

Thanks,
Eric

saleeba · Since 05 Mar 2006 238 Posts Masshole Stoked

splint it somehow from the finger tip to the base of the finger in a position of comfort and buddy tape it to the next finger. if you cant find anything to splint it with at least do the buddy tape. the opposing finger acts as a splint. get an xray when you’re back in town.

Nic · Since 21 Jul 2008 109 Posts Bend, Oregon Stoked

Hey there, I'm a trauma nurse. put a piece of tape longways across the affected joint to prevent separation and then splint the finger to the one next to it with some tape. Does the affected finger have any loss of sensation or tingling? Also, push down of the finger nail bed, the color should return to it in less than 2 seconds if your hands are warm. Does that happen? As long as there are no major deficits and the finger stays in joint with the tape, I don't see why you could not kite, just don't get that finger pulled out again. And talk with your PCP when you get back in town

bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed

From your description it sounds not too bad
but
if you DO have the numbness or bad circulation,
I would say forget about the vac. and go tend to it quickly.
Or at least get in touch with a hand specialist, if you can.
Heal up!

not on board · Since 08 May 2009 39 Posts United States Â

I dislocated my finger plaing bball and thought that it was no big deal as not any pain. But what I thought was swelling, was actually the joint being deformed as the side tendons pulling in and the top torn tendon not able to keep joint straight and flat.
If I had splinted the finger in the first week, the doctor said I could have avoided the 8.5 thousand dollar surgery I just completed and now the many months of rehab trying to get all the scar tissue to loosen up so I can bend the finger again.

The splint should emobilze the injured joint but if it is not the last tip joint, then leave that one free so that it can continue to keep some of the tendon movement so that the scar tissue does not lock all tendons into a welded spot. Do not keep kiting or bending fingure or you will have a much longer time off the water in the end.
I thought I could put it off for 3 weeks before seeing the Orthopedic hand Dr and I paid for it. Literally.

FunShui · Since 16 Jul 2006 146 Posts Really, really Stoked

Hey Eric,

Good advice above. Splint is best, in neutral or slight flexion (bendable smooth metal or a popsicle-like stick) to stabilize but not compress the joint. If you have swelling or pain, you can use alternating hot and cold, 5-10' of each.

Buddy taping is next best but be aware if you have significant swelling after kiting, it might be a little too much and you should (gasp!) lay off a day or two. I would recommend trying alternate taping to one or both adjacent fingers to see where you have the most comfort and stability.

I have had similar injury to my fingers many times. Inconvenient, occasionally limiting, but generally after 3-12 months you just have a slightly fatter, more crooked finger.

Rick

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1871 Posts XTreme Poster

My splint

saleeba · Since 05 Mar 2006 238 Posts Masshole Stoked

nice work!

Nic · Since 21 Jul 2008 109 Posts Bend, Oregon Stoked

Looks pretty solid to me

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1871 Posts XTreme Poster

I very much appreciate all of the advice above. Going to keep it splinted in the day, light flexion at night, and see an orthopod upon my return in two weeks. If it gets worse I will do a scuba cert course--could be worse:

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

get back out there soldier!!

feel better (where you at?)

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1871 Posts XTreme Poster

Bonaire

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2103 Posts PNW Bigfoot

If you need a hand specialist and you live in and or around Portland, then I would recomend Dr. Jerry Nye.

http://www.healthgrades.com/directory_search/physician/profiles/dr-md-reports/Dr-Jerry-Nye-MD-DB5D291F.cfm

FunShui · Since 16 Jul 2006 146 Posts Really, really Stoked

Great job!

Bonaire sounds like a really tough gig.
Rolling Eyes

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 442 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

Eric, nearly the same thing happened to me last week, except it was my DIP knuckle... last nuckle on tip. Still a bit sore, but back to 85%. Other bummer, it happened in Lyle, not Bonaire... Have fun for us. Cool

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jun 24, 09 9:57 am

You could probably ditch the metal splint really. I did the same thing years ago. My finger actually took a 45 degree bend at the knuckle (sideways). Popped it back into place but there is still a little bone fragment in there. I can't fully extend that finger now but a hand specialist said if it doesn't cause pain then leave it alone. I guess hand surgery can be a little brutal and take a long time to heal.

Joshiebaby · Since 14 Oct 2007 569 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted