Trapezium Fracture: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Physiotherapy Management.

INTRODUCTION;

A trapezium fracture is a relatively rare but clinically significant carpal bone injury that can severely affect thumb movement, grip strength, and hand function. Since the trapezium plays a vital role in thumb opposition and precision movements, early diagnosis and proper physiotherapy rehabilitation are essential for fast recovery and long-term function.

At Physio360 Centre in Chennai, we specialise in hand physiotherapy, post-fracture rehabilitation, and sports injury management, ensuring optimal recovery with evidence-based treatment protocols.

What Is a Trapezium Fracture?

The trapezium is one of the eight carpal bones located at the base of the thumb, forming the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. This joint is crucial for:

• Pinching

• Gripping

• Writing

• Fine motor activities

A trapezium fracture occurs when this bone is subjected to direct trauma or axial loading, often leading to painful thumb movements and reduced hand function.

Common Causes of Trapezium Fracture

A trapezium fracture usually results from high-impact or repetitive stress injuries, such as:

✅ Fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury)

✅ Road traffic accidents

✅ Sports injuries (badminton, cricket, cycling, boxing)

✅ Direct blow to the thumb

✅ Occupational overuse (manual labour, gripping tools)

At Physio360 Sports Rehabilitation Centre, we frequently see trapezium fractures in athletes and active individuals.

Signs and Symptoms

Patients with a trapezium fracture may present with:

✔ Pain at the base of the thumb

✔ Swelling and tenderness over the thenar eminence

✔ Difficulty in pinching or gripping objects

✔ Reduced thumb range of motion

✔ Pain during thumb opposition

✔ Weak hand grip

✔ Sometimes deformity or stiffness

Ignoring early symptoms may lead to chronic thumb pain or CMC joint arthritis.

Diagnosis of Trapezium Fracture

Accurate diagnosis is critical for successful recovery.

Clinical Examination

• Localised tenderness at the base of the thumb

• Pain on axial loading of the thumb

• Reduced functional grip

  
  

Imaging

📌 X-ray (Special views)

📌 CT scan – Gold standard for subtle or displaced fractures

📌 MRI – To assess ligament or soft tissue involvement

At Physio360 Chennai, we collaborate with orthopaedic specialists to ensure accurate diagnosis and early physiotherapy referral.

Types of Trapezium Fractures

1. Body fracture

2. Ridge fracture

3. Comminuted fracture

4. Intra-articular fracture

Each type requires a customised physiotherapy and rehabilitation protocol.

Medical Management

Depending on fracture severity:

🔹 Conservative management

• Thumb spica cast or splint (4–6 weeks)

🔹 Surgical management

• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)

• K-wire fixation (in displaced fractures)

Physiotherapy is essential in both cases to prevent stiffness and restore function.

Physiotherapy Management for Trapezium Fracture at Physio360

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in fast recovery and functional independence.

🔹 Phase 1: Immobilisation Phase

Goals:

• Pain relief

• Swelling control

• Maintain mobility of non-affected joints

Treatment Includes:

✅ Cryotherapy

✅ Oedema management

✅ Finger, wrist & elbow ROM exercises

✅ Patient education

🔹 Phase 2: Early Mobilisation Phase

Goals:

• Restore thumb mobility

• Prevent stiffness

Physiotherapy Techniques:

✔ Passive and active-assisted thumb movements

✔ Gentle CMC joint mobilisation

✔ Soft tissue release

✔ Scar mobilisation (post-surgery)

🔹 Phase 3: Strengthening Phase

Goals:

• Improve grip and pinch strength

• Restore hand coordination

Exercises Include:

✅ Putty exercises

✅ Thumb opposition training

✅ Grip strengthening tools

✅ Functional hand tasks

🔹 Phase 4: Functional & Sports-Specific Training

Goals:

• Return to work/sports

• Prevent re-injury

✔ Sports-specific drills

✔ Occupational hand training

✔ Ergonomic correction

At Physio360 Centre in Chennai, we ensure fast recovery with individualised rehab programs.

Why Physiotherapy Is Important in Trapezium Fracture

Without proper physiotherapy, patients may develop:

Thumb stiffness

Weak grip strength

Chronic pain

Early CMC joint arthritis

Early physiotherapy leads to faster healing, better mobility, and long-term joint protection.

Recovery Time

Average recovery time:

• 6–8 weeks (conservative management)

• 8–12 weeks (post-surgical rehab)

Early physiotherapy at Physio360 near you significantly shortens recovery duration.

Prevention Tips

✔ Use protective gear during sports

✔ Avoid repetitive thumb overuse

✔ Maintain hand and wrist strength

✔ Correct ergonomics at work

✔ Seek early physiotherapy for wrist/thumb pain

Why Choose Physio360 for Trapezium Fracture Rehabilitation?

✅ Best physiotherapy centre in Chennai

✅ Experienced hand & sports physiotherapists

✅ Advanced manual therapy techniques

✅ Customised exercise programs

✅ Fast recovery & pain-free movement

✅ Trusted by athletes & professionals

Physio360 – Moulivakkam | Gerugambakkam | Chennai

Book Your Appointment Today!

If you or your patient is suffering from thumb pain, wrist injury, or trapezium fracture, don’t wait.

Visit the Physio360 Centre in Chennai for

✔ Expert diagnosis

✔ Best physiotherapy treatment

✔ Fast and safe recovery

Physio360 – Your Trusted Partner for Hand & Sports Rehabilitation .

REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE ;

1.The Uncommon Trapezium Fracture: A Case Serieshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7000256/.

2.Isolated comminuted trapezium fracture: A case report and literature reviewhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.12.072.