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Treating Fractures

Elbow and forearm fractures are among the most common injuries that can happen to anyone. Fortunately, at Hand and Microsurgery Medical Group, we have years of experience successfully treating such injuries for both children and adults.

The forearm is composed of two bones, which are, the radius and the ulna. When you injure either one or two of these bones and cause a fracture, your ability to rotate and bend your arms is lost or compromised, which means that you need medical attention as soon as possible. In most cases, both bones get fractured.

Restricted Moving and Bending

Whether it is because of a fall, an automobile accident or any other strong blow of force, any fracture in the forearm not only causes a lot of pain, it also restricts your daily routine since moving and bending your arms and wrists become impossible. The bones may either break into several pieces, or they may suffer from a slight crack. Either way, it is critical to have yourself checked by a medical professional who you can be confident will provide you with the best care possible.

Symptoms of a Fracture

If you have injured your arm and you experience bruising, swelling and intense pain in the area, it is highly likely that it is an elbow and/or forearm fracture. Especially if your injured arm appears to be bent or maybe even shorter when you compare it to your other arm, it is a clear sign that it has been fractured. In extreme cases, the broken bone may even stick out of the skin. This is known as a compound fracture and has an even higher necessity of treatment due to the risk of infection.

When is surgical intervention necessary?

When your elbow or forearm is fractured, the treatment you require depends on the severity of the injury. If it isn’t too serious, for instance, if you only have a buckle fracture, you will most likely be treated using a splint or a cast. However, for more serious injuries, surgery is often needed to place the fractured bones back in place and secure them so they can heal.

Surgical treatment for elbow and forearm fractures is needed if any of the following happens:

  • The bone(s) have been displaced, a condition known as displaced fracture
  • The bone(s) have broken through or penetrated your skin
  • The bone(s) cannot be realigned using splints or casts
  • The bone(s) have started healing in an incorrect position
Osteoarthritis Treatment San Francisco

Surgical Aid,
Ensuring Mobility

What is the procedure for surgical intervention when an elbow fracture is present?

The surgery involves opening the skin so that the doctor can reach the bones and realign them. The cuts caused by the injury will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected first, after which the fragmented bones are repositioned. Screws, pins, rods and metal plates and implants are often used to attach the bones together and hold them in place. After this, the incision is closed using sutures, and your doctor will provide you with a sling so that your bones can heal faster.

Sometimes, if the damage caused is too severe, making large incisions and using plates and screws may cause even further damage instead of helping to heal. In such cases, an external fixation may be required. This is a kind of surgery where metal screws or pins are placed into your bone, both below and above the site of the fracture.

Usually, it takes about 6 to 10 weeks after your surgery for forearm and elbow fractures to heal. Even after healing, it is natural to feel that your arm may not be as good as new; it takes time for it to move and feel natural because it has been immobilized for so long. You need to ensure that you don’t immediately engage your arms in strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy objects

Elbow & Forearm Fracture Specialist San Francisco

If you or a loved one have suffered from an elbow or forearm fracture, get in touch with us immediately. Depending on the severity of the fracture, medical assistance can be imperative. If the bones are not set correctly or are allowed to heal improperly, the damage can be permanent. It is much easier to contact us and have our medical professionals take excellent care of you and ensure that your mobility and lifestyle is preserved.

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CALL: 415-578-6126

Address: 2299 Post Street, Suite 103
San Francisco, CA 94115