Upper Limb Fractures
Case Definition
Upper limb fractures are common injuries that occur as a result of direct trauma, falls, or sports-related accidents. These fractures involve the bones of the arm, shoulder, forearm, wrist, and fingers, and can significantly affect the ability to move the arm and perform daily activities.
Main Bones of the Upper Limb:
• Clavicle
• Humerus
• Forearm bones: Ulna and Radius
• Wrist, hand, and finger bones
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary depending on the fracture location but commonly include:
• Severe pain at the injury site
• Swelling or bruising
• Difficulty or inability to move the affected limb
• Visible deformity of the arm or joint
• Cracking or popping sound at the time of injury
• Numbness or tingling if nerves are affected
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of upper limb fractures is based on:
1. Clinical examination to identify pain location, deformity, and range of motion.
2. X-rays as the primary step to confirm the fracture and determine its type.
3. MRI or CT scan in complex cases or when soft tissue or joint injury is suspected.
Treatment Options:
Treatment depends on the type, severity, and location of the fracture:
Conservative (Non-surgical) Treatment:
• Immobilization using a cast or arm sling
• Rest and pain-relief medications
• Physical therapy after bone healing to restore movement
Surgical Treatment:
• Required if the fracture is unstable, displaced, or involves joint damage
• May include fixation with metal plates, screws, or rods
• Followed by a rehabilitation program to restore arm function
When Is Surgery Needed?
• Displaced or unstable fractures
• Multiple fractures in the same bone
• Failure of the bone to heal properly
• Intra-articular fractures (involving the joint)
• Pressure on nerves or blood vessels
• Open fractures (bone protruding through the skin)
Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Limb Fractures
We fully understand the importance of having all the necessary information to make informed decisions about your health. Therefore, we have gathered the most frequently asked questions about upper limb fractures and provided clear and reliable answers. We hope this section helps you gain a better understanding of the condition.
It usually takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of fracture and the patient’s age.
Some simple fractures can heal with conservative (non-surgical) treatment, but the condition must be properly evaluated by a specialist doctor.
Yes, children’s bones typically heal faster than those of adults due to their higher growth and regeneration capacity.
Yes. Physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and the normal range of motion of the upper limb after the fracture has healed.
In some cases, fractures may put pressure on nearby nerves, which can cause numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
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