Lump on hand after osteotomy?

[Woody1994]

Back in September, I received a boxer's fracture on the 5th metacarpal of my right hand. The bone healed with a downward angulation, so I got surgery (an osteotomy) to get the bone cut and realigned with a metal plate. That's all well and good.

Now onto the question... It's about 5 weeks post-op, and I've noticed that at one end of the scar, which runs along the length of the outside of my hand, there is a large lump under the skin that has not gone away. It's right beside my knuckle, pretty much where the surgical site was. It's not rock hard, but stiff. I can squeeze it and squish it, but it's firm to the touch. I'm almost 100% sure it's scar tissue. But my question is this: will it go away on its own? Is there something I can do to get rid of it or speed up the process of its disappearance? It's very noticeable to me and quite aggravating, both cosmetically and functionally. My doctor said he believes it will go away with time and therapy, but I'm looking for second opinions because opinions are subjective.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

So, scar tissue may reduce with time, but there may not be considerable change. Sometimes a keloid is formed--and if the lump is a keloid, then this would need more rigorous treatment. If it is just scar tissue, then scar softening creams and sometimes steroid creams help. If the scar is bulging due to underlying fluid or tissue deposition then this needs to be corrected. Please discuss all these aspects with your doctor.

[Woody1994]

I already know the lump is scar tissue. That wasn't the question.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
It is difficult to ascertain the nature of lump on net. What I can suggest is that you ask for X-ray of the hand or a CT scan or ultrasound to find out whether the lump is in the soft tissues or in the bone or joint. If the lump is in soft tissues it could be a scar tissue or a ganglion cyst or a localized collection of fat. If it is from bone, then probably the alignment has not worked.
Since a confirmed diagnosis cannot be given on net please consult your doctor regarding this. Hope this helps. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.