Fractures of the arm can affect the humerus (upper arm bone), radius, and ulna (bones of the forearm).
Types of Fractures of the Arm:
- Humerus Fracture: Fracture of the upper arm bone.
- Radius Fracture: Fracture of the bone on the thumb side of the forearm.
- Ulna Fracture: Fracture of the bone on the pinky side of the forearm.
- Monteggia Fracture: Fracture of the ulna with dislocation of the radial head.
- Galeazzi Fracture: Fracture of the radius with dislocation of the distal ulna.
Causes:
- Trauma: Falls, direct impact, sports injuries, or motor vehicle accidents.
- Overuse: Repetitive stress or strain on the arm bones, common in athletes.
Types of Surgeries and When They’re Required:
- Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF): Surgical procedure to realign the fractured bones and secure them with plates, screws, or rods. It’s required for displaced or unstable fractures.
- Closed Reduction and Casting: Non-surgical procedure to align the fractured bones followed by casting. It’s used for less severe fractures that can be adequately stabilized without surgery.
Time Required for Surgery:
The duration of surgery depends on the complexity of the fracture and the chosen procedure. Generally, ORIF for arm fractures can take a few hours.
Types of Procedures:
- ORIF: Involves making an incision, realigning the fractured bones, and fixing them in place with hardware such as plates, screws, or rods.
- Closed Reduction and Casting: Involves manipulating the fractured bones into proper alignment without surgery, followed by immobilization with a cast or splint.
Latest Technology Used in Surgeries for Fractures of the Arm:
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Smaller incisions and specialized instruments reduce tissue damage, postoperative pain, and recovery time.
- Intraoperative Imaging: Fluoroscopy or CT scans aid in accurate fracture reduction and hardware placement during surgery.
Precautions After Surgery:
- Immobilization: Keeping the arm in a cast, splint, or sling as prescribed by the surgeon.
- Activity Restrictions: Avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous activities, or sports until cleared by the surgeon.
- Physical Therapy: Following a prescribed rehabilitation program to regain strength, range of motion, and function.
Time to Recover After Surgery:
- Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the fracture, the chosen surgical procedure, and the individual’s overall health.
- It can take several weeks to months to regain full function and return to normal activities.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Surgery stabilizes the fracture, promotes proper healing, and reduces the risk of complications like nonunion or malunion.
Surgery carries risks such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and hardware failure. Recovery can be lengthy, and rehabilitation may be challenging. Additionally, there may be limitations in range of motion or strength following surgery.