Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

If you are like most people, you probably take your upper limbs for granted. You use them to do everything from picking up a coffee cup to brushing your teeth. But what would you do if you suddenly lost the use of one or both of your arms? That is a reality that many people face every day when they suffer an upper limb fracture. Dr Navi Bali will discuss the causes, symptoms and treatment options for upper limb fractures.

A fractures is a break in the continuity of the bone. A complete fracture results in two separate pieces of bone, while an incomplete fracture represents a crack in the bone. There are numerous causes of upper limb fractures, but the most common is trauma. This can occur as a result of a direct blow to the bone, or from a fall or motor vehicle accident. Osteoporosis, cancer, and other diseases that weaken the bones can also lead to fractures. Symptoms of an upper limb fracture include severe pain, swelling, and bruising. If you suspect that you have fractured your arm or wrist, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. An x-ray will be able to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.

An upper limb fracture is a break in one of the bones of the arm, forearm or hand. A fracture can be caused by a direct impact injury, such as falling onto an outstretched hand, or by indirect trauma, such as a hyperextension injury. Many fractures can be diagnosed with a visual examination, but some may require imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI. The most common symptoms of an upper limb fracture include pain, swelling and bruising. In some cases, there may also be deformity, loss of function or numbness. If you suspect that you have an upper limb fracture, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. An untreated fracture can lead to complications, such as infection or permanent nerve damage.