What Are Arm Fractures?
Arm fractures are a common injury that affects people of all ages, resulting from various causes such as falls, sports injuries, traffic accidents, or direct blows to the arm.
Fractures can range from simple breaks that require minimal treatment to complex injuries needing surgical intervention to restore alignment and function of the arm.
The decision to opt for surgical treatment depends on the fracture’s type, location, and severity, as well as the patient’s health and activity level. As medical technology and surgical techniques have advanced, the options for surgically treating arm fractures have expanded, offering patients tailored approaches to their specific injuries.
Types of Fractures
The arm consists of three major bones: the humerus, which is the upper arm bone, and the radius and ulna, which make up the forearm. Each of these bones can fracture in various ways, depending on the force and direction of the impact.
Simple (Closed) Fracture: The bone is broken but does not puncture the skin.
Compound (Open) Fracture: The broken bone pierces through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Comminuted Fracture: The bone shatters into three or more pieces.
Transverse Fracture: The fracture line is horizontal across the bone.
Oblique Fracture: The fracture has an angled line across the bone.
Greenstick Fracture: Incomplete fracture characterised by a bending of the bone, typically seen in children.
When Is Surgical Treatment Necessary?
Surgical intervention becomes necessary when a fracture cannot be properly aligned or stabilised through non-surgical methods.
Indications for surgery include:
Displacement: The bone ends are not aligned.
Instability: The fracture cannot maintain proper alignment with casting or splinting alone.
Open fractures: The bone has pierced the skin, requiring surgical cleaning to prevent infection.
Multiple fractures: Multiple breaks complicate the arm’s stability and function.
Intra-articular fractures: Fractures that extend into the joint, potentially hindering joint function.
Surgery aims to realign the fractured bones, secure them in place, and allow for the recovery of strength and functionality.
Surgical Options
The type of surgery recommended depends on the type, location, and severity of the fracture, along with the patient’s overall health and functional needs.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
ORIF is a procedure where the fracture site is surgically opened to view and realign the broken bones directly. The bones are then held in place with hardware such as plates, screws, rods, or pins.
This method is typically used for complex fractures that involve displacement or multiple fragments or require precise alignment to ensure proper healing and restoration of function.
The healing period for ORIF can vary from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the fracture’s complexity.
Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning (CRPP)
This technique involves realigning the bones without directly opening the fracture site. After achieving the right alignment, pins are inserted through the skin to hold the bones in position during a process called percutaneous pinning.
CRPP is suitable for fractures that can be aligned without open surgery, including certain simple forearm or wrist fractures.
The typical healing time is about 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the fracture’s severity and the patient’s healing response.
Each surgical option has its own advantages, considerations, and typical healing periods. These factors are carefully considered when choosing the most appropriate surgical method, and the decision is made collaboratively between the patient and their surgical team.
Preparing for Surgery
Preparation for arm fracture surgery can significantly impact the outcome and recovery process. Patients are advised to follow their surgeon’s instructions closely to ensure they are in the best possible condition for surgery.
Medications: Patients may need to adjust their current medications, especially those that can affect blood clotting, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection post-surgery.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Patients who smoke are advised to quit or reduce smoking as it can impede healing. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated are also important for optimal recovery.
Arranging Support: It’s important to arrange support for daily tasks and transportation post-surgery, given the potential limitations in mobility during recovery.
Conclusion
Advances in medical technology and surgical techniques have provided a range of options for arm fractures that can be tailored to each patient’s situation, offering the best possible outcomes in terms of healing, recovery, and restoration of function.
A well-informed decision is a collaborative effort between the patient and their medical team, ensuring that the chosen surgical approach aligns with their health goals and expectations.
Our clinic offers comprehensive evaluation and consultation services with our orthopaedic surgeon to help you understand your condition, the recommended surgical options, and what you can expect in terms of recovery and rehabilitation.
