A Rolando fracture is a complex fracture-dislocation at the base of the thumb metacarpal. It is more severe than a Bennett fracture because the bone is broken into several fragments rather than along a single fracture line.
Is this an emergency?
No, but it requires prompt medical assessment as it involves complex fractures of the thumb.
Please contact 1300HANDOC for advice and further instructions.
- Weakness in grip strength
- Limited movement
- Pain at the base of the thumb or when pinching/holding objects.
- Swelling and bruising
- Deformity or misalignment
- High impact sports
- Falls onto outstretched hand
- Direct force or trauma to thumb
- Punching
- History and mechanism of injury
- Clinical examination
- Xray
Treatment for a Rolando fracture usually involves surgery to realign the broken bone fragments and hold them in place with pins or other fixation. In rare cases, if the fragments are not displaced, the fracture may be treated without surgery using a splint and hand therapy.
Please contact 1300HANDOC to discuss the treatment recommendations based on the injury.
1300 426 362