Bennett Fracture Treatment in India

James Joshi, a 28-year-old software engineer...

James Joshi, a 28-year-old software engineer and avid rock climber, was attempting a difficult boulder problem when he slipped and caught his full weight on his left hand. He felt immediate, sharp pain at the base of his thumb. Over the next few hours, his thumb became swollen, bruised, and he couldn't grip or pinch without severe pain. An X-ray at urgent care revealed a Bennett fracture, a break at the base of his thumb metacarpal where a small piece of bone was displaced. The orthopedic surgeon explained that due to the joint involvement and displacement, surgery was necessary to realign the joint surface perfectly and prevent early arthritis and permanent weakness. James underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery, where a small plate and screws were used to hold the bone fragment in place. The surgery went smoothly, but he was in a cast for two weeks followed by a removable splint. Recovery involved six weeks of strict immobilization and then months of dedicated hand therapy to regain mobility and strength. Emotionally, James was initially devastated, fearing he might lose the fine dexterity crucial for his job and the climbing passion that defined his social life. The early recovery was frustrating, but as his strength returned through therapy, his optimism grew. A year later, he has about 95% of his strength back and is climbing again, albeit more cautiously, with a deep appreciation for his hand's complex mechanics.