Conditions We Treat
Fractures & Trauma
of the Upper Extremity
Broken bones and traumatic injuries can affect movement, strength and long-term joint function. Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery evaluates and treats fractures involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, including injuries that may require surgical fixation.
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Where Fractures Occur
Broken Bones From Shoulder to Hand
The upper extremity is made up of many bones, and a break can occur at any level. Select the area of concern to learn more about how fractures in that region are evaluated and treated.
Shoulder Fractures
Breaks involving the proximal humerus and other bones that form the shoulder joint. Treatment may include immobilization or surgical fixation depending on the fracture pattern.
- Proximal humerus fractures
- Fractures around the shoulder joint
Elbow Fractures
Broken bones of the elbow can affect the joint surface and the ability to bend and straighten the arm. Evaluation determines whether the joint is stable.
- Elbow joint fractures
- Internal fixation when appropriate
Wrist Fractures
Fractures most often involve the distal radius and distal tip of the ulna, and may also involve smaller bones such as the scaphoid, triquetrum and hamate.
- Distal radius & ulnar fractures
- Scaphoid fractures
Hand & Finger Fractures
Broken bones of the hand may involve the fingers or the palm. With some fractures, the fingers may overlap or cross over each other with movement.
- Metacarpal & phalanx fractures
- Boxer's fractures
How Fractures Are Treated
Non-Operative & Operative Treatment
Every fracture is different. The decision regarding nonoperative versus operative treatment is complex and should be discussed with your treating physician.
Non-Operative Treatment
Non-operative treatment options include immobilization (splinting or casting) with or without manipulation of the bone fragments.
- Splinting or casting to hold the bone in position
- Manipulation without surgery for select fracture patterns
- Osteoporosis evaluation when a low energy injury is involved
Non-operative treatment also carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
Operative Treatment
Operative treatment options include closed reduction and pinning, open reduction and internal fixation, and external fixation techniques.
- Closed reduction and pinning
- Open reduction and internal fixation
- External fixation techniques
Outcomes after surgery vary and risks and benefits should be discussed in detail with your treating physician.
We do not provide emergency-room services
For a suspected fracture, schedule a prompt orthopedic evaluation. An evaluation can determine which bone is involved, how the fragments are positioned, and whether non-operative or operative treatment is the better path for your injury.
Related Consideration
Bone Health & Osteoporosis
Individuals who are older and/or sustain broken bones from low energy injuries (i.e. ground level falls) may have an underlying condition called osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis involves a condition where bones have decreased mineral density. This creates an increased risk for sustaining a fracture.
Treatment options include appropriate dietary vitamin intake and, at the direction of a physician, more specialized medications. Evaluation and management should be discussed with your treating physician.
- Whether a low energy injury may warrant evaluation
- Appropriate dietary vitamin intake
- More specialized medications, at the direction of a physician
Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery
Injured? Get the Right Orthopedic Care.
If you have sustained a broken bone or upper-extremity injury, an evaluation with Tanay Amin, MD, FAAOS can determine which bone is involved and help you understand which treatment approach is right for you.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to convey, substitute or supplant any medical advice. In order to establish a treating relationship, please schedule and complete your visits with a licensed physician.
Please contact Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery PLLC with regards to any inquiries or corrections.