Warner's Finger Surgically Repaired - Oct. 1, 2002
RamsNation News Bulletin
The 55-minute procedure involved the insertion of four pins into the proximal phalanx bone. That's the bone that runs along the outside of the finger from the large knuckle nearest the wrist to the middle knuckle closer to the tip of the finger. Warner broke the same bone in the same finger in October of 2000, but this was a completely new fracture.
"In 2000 the fracture was close to the central knuckle," said Richard H. Gelberman, M.D., the Fred C. Reynolds Professor and head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, who performed the surgery. "This fracture was at the other end of the proximal phalanx bone, near the joint at the knuckle where the finger attaches to the hand. The bone was broken in three places and displaced."
Gelberman was assisted by Matthew J. Matava, M.D., assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery and head team physician for the St. Louis Rams.
Warner will wear a splint to protect and immobilize the finger for approximately four to six weeks. He'll then begin therapy to restore strength and range-of-motion. The pins will be removed after five to six weeks, and then Warner can begin rehabing the finger to perform tasks specific to playing quarterback in the NFL, such as throwing a football and receiving a snap from center.
"The surgery went well, and we anticipate that with rehabilitation, he will recover function over eight to 10 weeks," Matava said.