Thumb - Saddle Joint Capsule Problems

Thumb capsule problems are also problems in the thumb saddle joint. This may have been caused by a trauma in the finger or an external force on the thumb. This can pull the thumb out of his bowl.

Symptoms

Stance deviation at the height of the thumb saddle joint. Often a swelling or a bruise is visible in the finger on the area where it's dislocated. Sometimes you can no longer bend the finger or stretch it, simply because it's too painful. Usually, during the physical examination, it is usually well visible that the finger has come out of the capsule of the thumb saddle joint. An X-ray is made to confirm this. After the X-ray, the finger is put back in its place and the stability is tested. 

Treatment

If the ligaments are sprained or torn off, the finger is splayed with tape for around 4 weeks. With this technique, the finger is taped to the adjacent intact finger, this way the injured finger moves along with the hand. When the ligaments are completely torn off, your finger is unstable and together with a hand therapist a splint is measured. This treatment lasts six weeks. If it can't be treated, there is also a possibility to undergo surgery to restore the joint capsule.

After treatment

After treatment depends on where the ligament is torn and the surgery. If all goes well, the thumb can be used normally again, after the six-week splint period. But, as with every other surgery, complications can occur afterwards, such as bleeding, wound infection or less mobility. When this happens, our products offer the right help and support to prevent or rehabilitate. For example, the Novamed Manu Thumb Support and the Super Ortho Thumb Support CMC can help tremendously with these problems.