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Upper Limb Fractures – Restoring Function to Your Arms, Wrists, and Hands

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Regaining Dexterity: Expert Care for Fractures of the Hand, Wrist, Forearm, Elbow, and Humerus

Fractures of the upper limb can severely limit your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and engage in hobbies, impacting your independence and quality of life. The intricate network of bones in your arms, wrists, and hands requires precise treatment to restore strength, mobility, and dexterity. Mr. Raman Sethi provides expert management for upper limb fractures, dedicated to guiding your recovery and helping you regain the full use of your arm and hand. Mr. Raman Sethi is a fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with extensive experience in treating a comprehensive range of upper limb fractures, from common wrist breaks to complex elbow and humerus injuries.

Common Upper Limb Fractures Treated

Mr. Sethi provides expert diagnosis, urgent care, and tailored treatment plans for fractures
of:

Hand Fractures

Including breaks in the metacarpals (long bones in the palm) and phalanges (bones of the fingers), often caused by falls, sports injuries, or direct impact.

Scaphoid Fracture

A common fracture of one of the small bones in the wrist. It can be subtle and challenging to diagnose initially, but meticulous treatment is crucial to prevent long-term complications like non-union (failure to heal) or arthritis.

Wrist (Distal Radius) Fractures

Fractures of the larger forearm bone near the wrist joint, often occurring after a fall onto an outstretched hand. These are among the most common fractures in both children and adults.

Forearm Fractures

Breaks in the radius and/or ulna bones, the two long bones that make up the forearm. These can be isolated or combined fractures.

Elbow Fractures

Fractures around the elbow joint, involving the distal humerus (lower arm bone), proximal radius (head of radius), or olecranon (part of the ulna). These often impact elbow motion significantly.

Humerus Fractures

Breaks in the upper arm bone. These can occur in the shoulder region (proximal humerus), the shaft (mid-shaft), or near the elbow (distal humerus).

Mr. Sethi’s Approach to Upper Limb Fracture Management

Mr. Sethi employs both non-surgical and surgical approaches, always aiming for optimal
bone healing, functional restoration, and pain reduction, with a strong emphasis on restoring
fine motor skills and range of motion crucial for upper limb function.

Non-Surgical Treatment
For stable fractures with good alignment, or when surgery is not suitable, options may include:
  • Casting or Splinting : To immobilise the fractured bone and allow it to heal in proper alignment.
  • Sling : To support the arm and reduce movement.
  • Pain Management : Medications and advice to manage discomfort.
  • Activity Restriction : Limiting movement to protect the fracture site.
The precise surgical strategy depends on the location of the fracture relative to the implant, the stability of the implant, the quality of the bone, and the patient's overall health.
For displaced, unstable, or complex fractures, surgical intervention is often necessary to achieve proper alignment and stability. This may involve:
  • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) : Making an incision to realign the bone fragments and then securing them with internal hardware such as plates, screws, or pins.
  • External Fixation : Using pins inserted into the bone connected to an external frame, sometimes used for severe open fractures or as a temporary measure.
  • Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement) : In certain specific situations, particularly for complex fractures involving joints (e.g., severe proximal humerus or elbow fractures in older adults), replacing part or all of the joint may be the best option to restore motion and function.
Mr. Sethi will discuss the most appropriate treatment strategy for your specific fracture, considering factors such as fracture location, severity, your age, and functional demands.

Why Choose Mr. Raman Sethi?

Comprehensive Upper Limb Expertise

Mr. Sethi possesses extensive experience in diagnosing and meticulously treating a broad spectrum of upper limb fractures, ensuring precise care from hand to humerus.

Focus on Restoring Fine Function

He understands the critical importance of restoring dexterity, range of motion, and strength for optimal upper limb use, which guides his treatment decisions.

Meticulous Surgical Technique

For fractures requiring surgery, he employs precise techniques and appropriate fixation methods to ensure accurate bone reduction and stable healing, crucial for complex upper limb anatomy.

Integrated Rehabilitation Focus

From initial assessment to detailed post-operative guidance and collaboration with hand therapists or physiotherapists, Mr. Sethi ensures a structured path to regaining full arm and hand function.

What to Expect During Your Recovery

Recovery from an upper limb fracture requires patience and adherence to your rehabilitation plan:

Initial Immobilization

Your arm/hand will be protected in a cast, splint, or sling.

Pain Management

Strategies to manage discomfort throughout healing.

Early Motion (where appropriate)

For some fractures, controlled early motion is vital to prevent stiffness.

Physiotherapy/Hand Therapy

A crucial component to restore range of motion, strength, and fine motor skills.

Gradual Return to Activity

A phased return to daily activities, work, and sports, guided by Mr. Sethi and your therapist.

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FAQs

How long will I be in a cast/splint for an upper limb fracture?
The duration varies significantly based on the fracture's location, severity, and healing progress. Hand fractures might be 3-4 weeks, while a wrist fracture typically requires 4-6 weeks, and a humerus fracture could be 6-12 weeks or more.
A scaphoid fracture is a break in one of the small bones in the wrist, often caused by a fall on an outstretched hand. It can be difficult to diagnose initially (sometimes not visible on initial X-rays) and is challenging to treat due to its limited blood supply, which can lead to delayed healing or non-union.
Elbow fractures can often lead to some degree of stiffness. The goal of treatment is to restore as much range of motion as possible, but extensive physiotherapy is crucial, and some residual stiffness or loss of full extension/flexion can occur.
This depends entirely on the fracture type, stability, and healing. You'll progress from protected movement to light activities, and then gradually increase load as directed by Mr. Sethi and your therapist. Full return to heavy lifting or sports can take several months.
Potential complications include stiffness (especially in the elbow or wrist), nerve or blood vessel damage, malunion (healing in a poor position), non- union (failure to heal), infection, and post-traumatic arthritis (if the fracture involves a joint).

In Case of an Upper Limb Fracture: Seek Urgent Medical Attention

If you suspect an upper limb fracture, especially if accompanied by severe pain, deformity, or inability to move the limb, please seek immediate medical attention. Your local emergency department is the appropriate first point of contact. Once stable, Mr. Sethi can provide expert ongoing orthopaedic care.
For consultation regarding a diagnosed upper limb fracture or a second opinion:
Book Your Appointment with Mr. Raman Sethi.

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