Trauma and Fracture Care

Clavicle

Treatment for clavicle fractures is crucial due to the significant role the clavicle, or collarbone, plays in the skeletal structure and functionality of the upper body. The clavicle serves as a strut that connects the arm to the body, providing stability and support to the shoulder. A fracture in this bone can severely impair shoulder function, limiting arm movement and strength, and causing significant pain. Proper treatment ensures the alignment and healing of the bone, which is essential for restoring normal shoulder mechanics and preventing long-term complications such as chronic pain, deformity, or limited range of motion.

Moreover, timely and effective treatment of clavicle fractures is vital to avoid potential complications like non-union or malunion, where the bone either fails to heal or heals improperly. These complications can lead to persistent discomfort and functional limitations, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. Treatment options, ranging from conservative methods like slings and physical therapy to surgical interventions, are tailored to the severity and type of fracture, ensuring optimal recovery. Early intervention and appropriate management not only facilitate quicker recovery but also reduce the risk of long-term disability, making treatment of clavicle fractures essential for maintaining overall musculoskeletal health.

Proximal Humerus/Humerus

Treating proximal humerus fractures is essential due to the critical role the proximal humerus plays in shoulder mobility and upper limb function. The proximal humerus, located near the shoulder joint, is involved in a wide range of arm movements, including lifting, reaching, and rotating. When this bone is fractured, it can significantly impair shoulder function, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Effective treatment ensures proper alignment and healing of the bone, which is vital for restoring normal shoulder mechanics and preventing long-term complications such as chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Additionally, timely and appropriate treatment of proximal humerus fractures is crucial to avoid complications like non-union, malunion, or avascular necrosis, where the bone does not heal properly or loses its blood supply. These complications can result in persistent discomfort, functional limitations, and a decreased quality of life. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and type of fracture, ranging from conservative approaches like immobilization and physical therapy to surgical interventions such as fixation or shoulder replacement. Early and effective management not only facilitates optimal recovery but also minimizes the risk of long-term disability, ensuring that individuals can return to their daily activities and maintain overall musculoskeletal health.

Scapula

Treating scapula fractures is critically important due to the scapula’s central role in shoulder function and upper body movement. The scapula, or shoulder blade, acts as a foundation for shoulder stability and movement, facilitating a wide range of arm activities, including lifting, pushing, and rotating. A fracture in the scapula can severely disrupt these functions, leading to significant pain, decreased mobility, and functional impairment. Proper treatment ensures that the scapula heals in the correct position, which is essential for maintaining shoulder mechanics and preventing long-term issues such as chronic pain, muscle weakness, and limited range of motion.

Moreover, timely and effective treatment of scapula fractures is vital to avoid potential complications like non-union or malunion, where the bone either fails to heal or heals improperly. These complications can result in persistent discomfort and significant functional limitations, impacting an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks and overall quality of life. Treatment options can vary depending on the severity and type of fracture, ranging from conservative methods such as immobilization and physical therapy to surgical interventions aimed at realigning and stabilizing the bone. Early and appropriate management not only promotes optimal recovery but also reduces the risk of long-term disability, ensuring that individuals can regain their shoulder function and maintain an active lifestyle.

Glenoid

Glenoid fractures involve the socket part of the shoulder joint. Treatment may include conservative measures or surgery to repair the socket, ensuring the stability and functionality of the shoulder joint.

Elbow

Elbow fractures may require casting, splinting, or surgery depending on the severity and location of the fracture, with a focus on restoring elbow movement and reducing the risk of stiffness or arthritis.

Patella

Treatment for patella (kneecap) fractures varies from immobilization in a cast to surgical fixation, aiming to restore knee function and stability while minimizing pain.

Tibia

Tibial fractures, affecting the shinbone, can range from simple breaks treated with casting to complex fractures requiring surgical repair, focusing on realigning the bone and restoring leg function.

Ankle

Ankle fractures require precise treatment to maintain joint stability and function, including:

• Fibula Fractures: Treatment focuses on stabilizing the bone to allow healing, possibly through surgery.
• Bimalleolar Fractures: Involves breaks in two of the ankle bones, often requiring surgical intervention for stability.
• Trimalleolar Fractures: Affects three areas of the ankle, usually necessitating surgery to restore joint alignment and function.
• Pilon Fractures: Involves the lower end of the tibia and requires surgery to fix the bone pieces and support healing.

Foot

Foot fractures require specific care to ensure proper healing and function, including:

• Metatarsal Fractures: Treatment ranges from rest and immobilization to surgery, depending on the fracture’s complexity.
• Jones Fractures: Involves a specific area of the fifth metatarsal bone, often requiring immobilization or surgery for proper healing due to its location’s poor blood supply.