Bennett fracture

[landellais]

Two weeks ago I had a motorcycle accident and sustained rib, leg, and hand injuries. I had immediate surgery to a displaced intra-articular fracture to the first metacarpal, right thumb, where K-wires were inserted. The surgeon told me that it was a serious injury and that I may not be able to ride a motorcycle again,which I am pretty upset about. She said that my grip strength and range of motion will be reduced. Regarding my bicycle, I shall transfer the front brake to the left hand lever and shall switch from Campag.Ergopower levers to Shimano STI, as I won't be able to push the button down on the Campag. levers.
I am 64 years of age, rode my first cycle race in 1966, and have a long history of racing on road, track, and some time trials. I cycle around 10,000 miles a year
Have other members sustained this injury ? If so I would be very pleased to hear of your experiences, particularly the outcome after the many months of physio to eventually come, and how it has affected your cycling.
Many thanks,
Mike

[al_yrpal]

My son had a Bennet fracture when he was 14. He has been fine up to now (47).

Al

[landellais]

That is very encouraging to hear, Al. It gives me some hope after the surgeon's words.
Thank-you.
Mike

[rjb]

I sustained a "Bennett" fracture to my right thumb in a bike accident at the age of 18, quite apt as its my surname. I was in plaster for 4 weeks but no pinning was required. Don't remember having any physio but this was in the days of pen and ink so it would have been well used. I am now 64 and haven't had any problems with it. Similarly i broke my elbow 10 years ago which required pinning. The pins were removed 6 months later when the surgeon informed me i would never be able to straighten my arm by more than 70 degrees. I worked on it with the exercises the physio suggested and can now straighten it but cant quite go over the top to lock it. I am more than pleased with this result.

Best of luck and dont skimp on the physio exercises.

[landellais]

Thank-you, rjb. I do appreciate it and will certainly apply myself when the time for physio arrives.

Regards,
Mike

[eileithyia]

Ok not had a Bennett fracture but have had several others and agree with the comment; do not skimp on the physio... I knew where i was before the breaks and certainly intended to return to full mobility..... and in the case of my shoulder it was a matter of utmost importance that i would once again be able to touch fingers across my back... something my physio could not do (I was starting from a virtually immobile right arm). I have initially adapted and altered brakes etc in order to get me back on the bike..

Might be worth thinking about if you have continued issues... electronic gears, I have a friend who found arthritis was making it far too difficult and resorted to a push button control electronic gears.

Best wishes for a full recovery.

[landellais]

Great advice,eileithyia. I will consider electronic gear change if it comes to that. I have already checked them out. Thank-you for your good wishes.

Regards,
Mike