When is surgery necessary?

In most cases, a torn capsule on the thumb heals completely by sparing and temporarily immobilizing the affected joint.

However, surgery is necessary if structures have been injured that will not heal without surgery or if the affected joint is very unstable.
Surgery is often necessary in the case of larger ruptures of the bony capsule ligament, as otherwise the joint may wear out early and the hand may be significantly impaired in its function.
Even in the case of a rupture of ligaments or tendons, a promising treatment can often only be achieved by surgery.
Even if a dislocation is present that cannot be repaired in any other way, surgical intervention may be the only remaining treatment method.

Duration of healing

The duration of healing after a ruptured thumb capsule depends on the extent of the causal injury on the one hand and the affected structures on the other. A simple capsule injury can heal completely within a few weeks. However, if bony structures were also injured and surgery had to be performed, a healing period of at least six weeks can be expected.

Healing takes particularly long if tendons have been injured and these have to grow back together again. A duration of up to twelve weeks can be expected. However, it must be remembered that the duration of healing in the case of a ruptured capsule in the thumb can vary greatly from individual to individual and also depends on the age and activity of the person affected.

How long will I be unable to work?

The duration of incapacity to work in the case of a ruptured thumb depends on the extent of the injury and the healing time on the one hand and on the activity performed on the other. Anyone who is highly dependent on the function of the thumb in his or her work is consequently incapacitated for longer than someone who can compensate for the consequences of the injury. In the case of only minor injuries and corresponding activity, the doctor can therefore also decide that there is no incapacity to work at all. In some cases, however, a rupture of the capsule of the thumb may mean that a person has to be on sick leave for weeks or even months.