The location of the break determines the treatment for a thumb fracture. A break near the base of the thumb, for example, frequently necessitates surgery. This is due to the difficulty a doctor may have in placing a splint or cast to the thumb. A splint or cast keeps the thumb in the proper position for healing. Additionally, it may be necessary to remove the nail from the injured thumb. A broken thumb can cause serious problems if not treated properly. If the injury involves the hand by itself, then it is considered major. Otherwise, it is minor. The type of treatment required depends on several factors such as the extent of the injury, age of the patient, and so on. Generally, thumb fractures can be divided into three types: stable, unstable, and complex. Stable injuries are those that do not involve any of the other bones in the hand. They can be treated with a splint or cast, which maintains the thumb in the correct position. Unstable injuries are those that involve the metacarpal (the bone behind the wrist) or phalanx (the bone at the end of the finger). These injuries require medical attention because they may be associated with ligament damage or tendon tears. Complex injuries are those that involve additional bones in the hand. For example, if a person has a comminuted (jagged) fracture, then they will need surgery to repair the damage. Comminuted fractures are more common in people who play sports like baseball or football.