Upper Limb Fractures
Upper limb fractures are breaks or cracks in the bones of the upper limb, which includes the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand. These fractures can occur due to trauma, falls, sports injuries, or other accidents. The specific type of fracture and the bone affected can vary widely, each requiring different treatment approaches.
Types of Upper Limb Fractures
Clavicle (Collarbone) Fracture:
- Causes: Falls onto the shoulder, direct trauma, sports injuries.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty moving the arm.
Proximal Humerus (Upper Arm Bone) Fracture:
- Causes: Falls, direct impact.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising around the shoulder, limited shoulder movement.
Humeral Shaft Fracture:
- Causes: Direct blow, twisting injury, fall.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, possible deformity.
Distal Humerus (Elbow) Fracture:
- Causes: Falls, direct trauma.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, inability to move the elbow.
Radius and Ulna (Forearm Bones) Fracture:
- Types: Can include fractures of the distal radius (Colles' fracture), mid-shaft fractures, and fractures involving the ulna.
- Causes: Falls onto an outstretched hand, direct impact.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, inability to rotate the forearm.
Wrist Fractures:
- Types: Includes fractures of the distal radius, scaphoid, and other carpal bones.
- Causes: Falls onto an outstretched hand, direct trauma.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, limited wrist movement.
Hand and Finger Fractures:
- Types: Fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges.
- Causes: Direct trauma, falls, sports injuries, crush injuries.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, difficulty moving the fingers.
Symptoms of Upper Limb Fractures
- Immediate pain at the site of injury.
- Swelling and bruising.
- Visible deformity or abnormal position of the limb.
- Difficulty or inability to move the affected lim
- Numbness or tingling if nerves are affected.
- Crepitus (a crackling sound or sensation) when moving the limb.
Treatment
- Immobilization: Using casts, splints, or slings to keep the bone in place while it heals.
- Medication: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: To restore function, strength, and range of motion after immobilization.
- Surgery: Required for severe, displaced, or complex fractures. Surgical options include internal fixation with plates, screws, or rods, and in some cases, external fixation devices.
If you would like to have additional information contact Dr. Vipul Shet, serving communities and people from all walks of live.
