Wrist injuries
Fractures of the distal epiphysis of the radius and the scaphoid bone are common injuries in the area of the wrist. Each of these injuries occurs as a result of a fall on an outstretched arm. Each of them also manifests itself with swelling and pain, and in the case of a fracture of the distal epiphysis of the radial bone – also a distortion and bruising around the wrist.
Treatment – in the case of non-displaced fractures – consists in immobilizing the limb in an orthosis or cast for 4-6 weeks (radius bone) or 6-12 weeks (scaphoid bone) and rehabilitation. In the case of a displaced fracture – it is necessary to operate the fracture and fix it with the use of stabilizing elements (plates and screws).
Elbow injuries
Fracture of the radial head and fracture of the ulna are the most common fall injuries to the elbow. The first one is the result of a fall on a straightened, twisted arm at the elbow. There is pain on the side of the elbow, which increases when you try to rotate the forearm or wrist.
Treatment of non-displaced fractures includes short-term (1-2 weeks) immobilization in an orthosis or plaster splint, and rehabilitation. In the event of displacement, surgical adjustment of the bone is necessary, including an anastomosis with a plate and screws or an endoprosthesis of the radial head.
A fracture of the elbow occurs when you fall directly on the elbow. It is accompanied by swelling and pain in the back of the elbow, which increases when you try to bend the limb. Treatment, in most cases, involves surgical adjustment and anastomosis with the use of, for example, stabilizing loops.
Winter slips can injure the shoulder and hands.
Collarbone fracture may be the result of a direct fall on the shoulder, or less often – on an extended arm. There is swelling, bruising and distortion above the collarbone, and additionally – pain (also in the shoulder when trying to move). Minor movements of the collarbone shaft are treated conservatively in an orthosis for approx.
6 weeks, rehabilitation is also recommended. In case of larger displacements or fractures in the distal clavicle area, surgical treatment is necessary. Another injury to this part of the body may be dislocation of the shoulder-clavicular joint – it is the result of a direct fall on the shoulder. Its symptoms are: deformation above the shoulder or collarbone, change of contours or lack of symmetry in the shoulders, pain – also with shoulder movements. Joint subluxations are treated conservatively by immobilization in a sling for about 4 weeks, while dislocations – by stabilizing the collarbone surgically.