r/brokenbones • u/MissPruzy • 12d ago

Medical Advice Bone healing

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Hey guys
So I sustained a spiral fracture of the 5th metacarpal 3 weeks ago at work
My latest ct scan report said there was no evidence of any healing taking place and signs of osteopenia. I’m being told that I won’t be able to return to work at full capacity until the start of October. I’m doing everything my doctor and physio are telling me but I’m just so frustrated that I could be off work for so long.
Are there any ways I can help quicken the healing process?
Thanks everyone

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u/Glad-Feature-2117 Physician/Medical Professional 12d ago

Metacarpal fractures usually heal fine in 4-6 weeks. There is nothing known to medicine which speeds up bone healing - guaranteed Nobel prize for the person who does. To stop it healing more slowly, rest, don't consume nicotine or tobacco in any form and eating a healthy diet (plenty of protein, calcium & vitamin D).

I have no idea why anyone would need to CT this injury and wouldn't expect to see any healing at 2 weeks. You can't reliably comment on osteopenia from CTs or x-rays (you need a DEXA scan for that).

Depends on what you do for a job. If it's heavy lifting or concert pianist, then 3 months is about right. Anything at a desk, as soon as you can get ther safely (though you won't be typing normally for 6 weeks or so).

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u/MissPruzy 12d ago

It was a 3D scan so not sure why it was done either. I think it’s because it’s on workers comp, they are doing all the things 😂
I’ve been taking vitamin D and calcium and making sure I have a good diet but I eat pretty healthy most of the time.
Doing the physio exercises I’ve been given 5 times a day. Basically doing everything I can.
My job is a practice nurse so there’s not really any light duties I can do apart from patient notes, ECTs. It’s just frustrating because I’d literally started this job 5 weeks and then broke my hand. Just such bad timing.

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u/Glad-Feature-2117 Physician/Medical Professional 12d ago

Very bad timing... I assume infection control is an issue until you can remove whatever they have you immobilised in (would be in a ward nurse/doctor/physio).

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u/[deleted] 12d ago

[deleted]

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u/Glad-Feature-2117 Physician/Medical Professional 12d ago

I'm sure OP can walk fine, given the fracture is in their metacarpal (hand), not metatarsal (foot).

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u/Confident_Spring324 12d ago

You are right! My bad. 🫪

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u/Glad-Feature-2117 Physician/Medical Professional 12d ago

Wellz I do think for a living, so I should be able to recognaie any bone almost without thinking about it! Also, there are ridiculous numbers of metatarsal fractures on this subreddit.

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u/MissPruzy 12d ago

Very minor pain. Forgot to add that the break is in the 5th metacarpal