Orthopedic

Treatments

Stiffness is a major concern after any elbow fracture. Treatment is therefore focused on maximizing early motion. Conservative treatment (sling, cast) is usually used when the bones are at low risk of moving out of place, or when the position of the bones is acceptable. Age is also an important factor when treating elbow fractures.

Fractures that are displaced or unstable are more likely to need surgery to realign and stabilize the fragments, or sometimes to remove bone fragments, and ideally allow for early motion. Whenever a fracture is open (bone breaks through the skin), urgent surgery is needed to clean out the tract and bone so as to minimize the risk of a deep infection.

Therapy is often utilized to maximize motion. This might include exercises, scar massage, modalities such as ultrasound, heat, ice, etc., and splints that stretch the joint.

Our experienced orthopedic hand and wrist surgeons tailor treatment depending on the severity of the scaphoid or wrist fracture as well as your activity demands. Often if the fracture is non-displaced, it can be treated by immobilization in a cast that usually covers the forearm, hand, and thumb for up to 3 months. However, through a minimally invasive outpatient surgery, our hand specialists often can decrease your recovery time and quicken your return to prior recreational and occupational activity without prolong periods in a cast.

If you suspect you have a fracture and would like to speak with our orthopedic specialistsor call us at: 404-778-3350.