I had spica cast. When can I start driving or riding a motorcycle?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a road accident and fractured my right thumb. It happened three weeks back and was administered a spica cast the next day of injury. After an X-ray, the doctor suggested that the cast can be removed in a few days. I want to understand, how long before I can resume my normal activities like driving or riding a motorcycle, etc. Also, I was strength training regularly before the accident, when is it advisable to lift heavy weights again?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is a bony mallet injury. You need to wear the splint for eight weeks in total, a mallet thumb splint. Do not remove the splint for eight weeks. Repeat X-rays after eight weeks of injury and splint application. And then after eight weeks, you will require physiotherapy for mobilization as you are expected to have the stiffness of that joint. Driving can be about three months after the date of injury. Heavy weight lifting can be done after six months of the date of injury. Can you send me the other view of the X-ray also, if you have so that I can see the fracture better in the other view of the X-ray also?

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

These x-rays are not enough to decide (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You need to do x-ray of the affected thumb lateral view and then follow up.

Thank you.