Fractures
What is a arm & hand Fracture?
Hand and Arm Fractures refer to breaks in the bones of the hand, wrist, or arm, typically resulting from trauma or direct impact.
Types of Hand and Arm Fractures:
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Wrist Fracture:
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Colles’ Fracture: A break in the distal radius, often caused by falling onto an outstretched hand. It’s the most common type of wrist fracture.
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Scaphoid Fracture: A break in the scaphoid bone, one of the small bones in the wrist, usually resulting from a fall on an extended wrist.
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Hand Fracture:
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Metacarpal Fracture: A break in one of the five metacarpal bones that form the middle part of the hand, commonly caused by direct impact or punching.
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Phalangeal Fracture: A break in the bones of the fingers (phalanges), often from jamming or crushing injuries.
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Forearm Fracture:
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Radius and Ulna Fracture: A break in one or both of the forearm bones, typically resulting from a fall, sports injury, or direct blow.
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Monteggia Fracture: A fracture of the ulna combined with dislocation of the radial head at the elbow, usually from a fall on an outstretched arm.
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Mechanism of Injury:
Fractures occur due to direct trauma, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents. The type and location of the fracture depend on the force and direction of the impact.
Symptoms
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Severe Pain: Intense pain at the site of the fracture, worsening with movement.
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Swelling: Rapid swelling around the injured area.
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Bruising: Discolouration around the site due to internal bleeding.
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Deformity: Visible or palpable deformity, especially in more severe fractures.
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Limited Movement: Inability to move the affected area without significant pain.
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Numbness: Possible loss of sensation if nerves are affected.
Treatment
Immediate Treatment:
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Immobilisation: Use a splint, brace, or sling to immobilise the affected area and prevent further injury.
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Elevation: Keep the injured area elevated to reduce swelling.
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Pain Relief: NSAIDs like ibuprofen or prescribed pain medication.
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attend A&E for further treatment
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Clinical Treatment:
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Immobilisation: Use of a cast or splint to stabilise the fracture and allow for proper healing.
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Manual Therapy: Gentle techniques to restore movement and reduce stiffness after the initial healing phase.
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Ultrasound Therapy: Promotes bone healing and reduces swelling.
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Rehabilitation:
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Stretching & Strengthening: Exercises to regain flexibility and strength in the affected area.
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Range of Motion Exercises: To restore joint mobility.
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Progressive Resistance Training: Gradually increases resistance to rebuild muscle and bone strength.
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Post-surgery, a rehabilitation programme is crucial to regain full strength, flexibility, and function of the hand and arm, involving progressive physiotherapy and clinical interventions tailored to the specific type of fracture.