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Magnus Midtbø underwent second thumb surgery after bone healed wrong

Surgeons realigned the fracture and inserted a plate about a month after he broke it climbing.

Magnus Midtbø underwent a second thumb surgery after doctors found the bone had not healed correctly about a month after he injured it. Surgeons broke the thumb again to realign it and inserted a plate and screws.

Before the appointment he tested para-climbing routes at his gym ahead of the Norwegian National Championships, climbing one-handed because he could not use his left fingers. He topped an easier finals-style route and worked part of a steeper line, giving feedback to setters who may adjust the problems.

He removed the cast for X-rays and said the thumb felt stiff and swollen while he waited for results. Doctors told him another operation was necessary and that recovery would start over, with at least six more months expected.

The procedure used general anesthesia on his birthday. Surgeons tried to fix the fracture without a plate but added one when the joint was not stable enough. Midtbø said the thumb is straight again and that the bones had partially fused before they were reset.

Source video: Can I Compete in Para-Climbing?