Proper wrist and hand care is essential for maintaining overall well-being and functionality in our daily lives. Our hands and wrists are intricate structures composed of numerous bones, joints, tendons, and muscles that enable us to perform a wide range of activities.
Timely Diagnosis for Effective Care and Repair
At SOS Hand to Shoulder Center, we understand that your bones are active and living structural components. When you experience a broken arm, the healing process begins immediately. However, it is crucial to set the bone properly and diagnose any additional damage promptly to ensure the future integrity and function of the bone. Our expertise becomes essential in managing complications such as joint involvement, compound fractures, and nerve or blood vessel damage.
Identifying Hidden Arm Fractures
While some broken arms are easily recognizable, others may not be obvious. If you experience reduced mobility accompanied by arm pain, it is important to seek medical attention without delay. Even if there are no obvious signs of misalignment, complex fracture patterns, or damage to surrounding tissues, the arm may not heal correctly.
Please review the following symptoms if you suspect a broken arm:
- Severe pain that worsens with movement
- Swelling and/or throbbing pain
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Visual deformity or bending of the arm
- Stiffness
- Inability to move your arm, wrist, or elbow
- Difficulty rotating the arm
If the fracture is not protruding from the skin and there is no apparent deformity, X-rays are typically conducted to assess the extent and complexity of the fracture. These X-rays will help determine the location of the break and whether joint involvement is a factor. In cases where more detailed imaging is required to evaluate the surrounding muscles, tendons, and tissues, a CT scan may be ordered.
Bone Setting and Immobilization
If you have a displaced fracture, our doctors may need to manipulate the bone fragments back into their correct positions through a process called reduction. Depending on the level of pain and swelling, you may be administered a muscle relaxant, sedative, or general anesthetic before this procedure.
Immobilizing the broken bone is crucial for effective healing. This may involve the use of a splint, sling, brace, or cast. The duration of immobilization varies depending on the severity of the injury, typically ranging from three to 10 weeks.
At SOS Hand to Shoulder Center, our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and personalized treatment for all arm injuries. Trust us to diagnose, treat, and support your recovery, ensuring the best possible outcome for your arm health.
