Upper Limb Fractures

Who does this affect? These injuries can affect any age group. Upper limb fractures and dislocations are common injuries and include collarbone (clavicle), elbow, wrist and hand. Early assessment, prompt treatment including surgery and focused physiotherapy, is essential to keep recovery time to a minimum, and prevent stiffness or other complications.

Investigations X-rays are the most common. Sometimes special CT scans are needed to help plan treatment.

Non-surgical Treatment Often a splint is all that is needed. Increasingly, surgery is used to restore the anatomy and permit rehabilitation and return to full activity.  The upper limb surgeons in BOSS have a particular interest and experience in arm trauma with a philosophy of early surgery where necessary to optimize patient outcome

Below are 3 examples of upper limb fractures traditionally treated without surgery. Modern techniques enable effective surgery to improve patient outcomes.

Clavicle fracture (broken collarbone)  treated  with pre-contoured plate

    
 
Broken Wrist (fractured distal radius) treated with locking plate

Upper arm (Proximal Humerus) fracture treated by locking plate