Symptoms
Severe pain
Swelling
Bruising
Deformity (the arm looks out of place)
Inability to move the arm or hand
Tenderness to the touch
Numbness or tingling (may indicate nerve damage)
Open wound with bone protruding (in open fractures)
Causes
Trauma: Falls, direct blows, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries
Osteoporosis: Weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures
Repetitive stress: Overuse injuries, particularly in athletes
Medical conditions: Bone tumors, infections, or other conditions that weaken the bone
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen) or prescription (opioids) to manage pain.
Antibiotics: Used for open fractures to prevent infection.
Bone-strengthening medications: In cases of osteoporosis to help improve bone density.
Anticoagulants: Medications to prevent blood clots if surgery is needed
Is Communicable
No, upper extremity fractures are not communicable. They are caused by physical trauma or underlying medical conditions and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Prevent falls: Ensure well-lit environments, use assistive devices (canes, walkers) if needed.
Wear protective gear: During sports and other activities with a risk of injury.
Maintain bone health: Consume a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, engage in weight-bearing exercises, and avoid smoking.
Proper lifting techniques: Lift with your legs, not your back, and avoid twisting while lifting.
Treat underlying conditions: Manage conditions like osteoporosis to reduce the risk of fractures.
How long does an outbreak last?
Upper extremity fractures are not outbreaks and are not contagious.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: A doctor will assess the injury, checking for pain, swelling, deformity, and range of motion.
X-rays: Used to visualize the bone and identify the location and type of fracture.
CT Scan: May be used to provide more detailed images of complex fractures or to assess damage to surrounding tissues.
MRI: Can help to identify soft tissue injuries such as tendon or ligament tears that may accompany the fracture.
Timeline of Symptoms
Immediate: Severe pain, swelling, inability to move the arm.
Within Hours: Bruising develops, pain may worsen.
Days to Weeks: Pain gradually decreases with treatment (immobilization, medication), swelling subsides, and range of motion slowly improves.
Weeks to Months: Bone healing occurs, and strength and function gradually return with physical therapy.
Important Considerations
Prompt medical attention: Seek immediate medical attention for suspected fractures to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Immobilization: Follow your doctor's instructions for immobilization (e.g., cast, splint) to allow the bone to heal properly.
Physical therapy: Participate in physical therapy to regain strength, range of motion, and function after the fracture has healed.
Pain management: Manage pain effectively with prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
Potential complications: Be aware of potential complications such as infection, nerve damage, nonunion (failure of the bone to heal), or arthritis.