Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Fractures Treated in Baltimore

A fracture occurs when enough force from a fall, collision or other trauma causes a bone to break. Fractures also can occur due to osteoarthritis or repetitive motions that damage muscles, tendons and ligaments causing the bones to weaken and break.

Symptoms of a fracture, or broken bone, include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Limited or loss of movement
• Deformity

Orthopedic doctors who specialize in shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions will conduct a physical exam to diagnose a fracture. X-rays will need to be taken to view the location of the fracture and the position of the bones. A CT scan may be needed for additional views of the fracture, especially for elbow and wrist fractures.

Some fractures of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand may heal without surgery. Treatment options include immobilization with a sling, splint or cast if the bone was not displaced or was set without surgical intervention. Other fractures may need surgery to help prevent arthritis or to set the bones in the correct position for proper healing. 

Common surgical treatments for shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand fractures include repair and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). During an ORIF procedure, bones are repositioned, called reduction, to the normal anatomy and held with screws and plates to facilitate healing.