Expert Fracture Treatment & Care
An unexpected accident can happen in a moment. Thankfully, Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center is here to shine a light on the path to recovery. We provide exceptional orthopedic fracture care in Philadelphia, PA, to restore your function and bring you peace of mind.
Our team, composed of leading physicians and surgeons, is committed to delivering a patient-centered experience, ensuring your health and recovery are our foremost priorities. We will always clearly communicate your diagnosis and treatment options and guide you through the steps of healing so that full recovery feels possible. Contact us now to schedule an appointment.
Types of Upper Extremity Fractures We Treat
Upper extremity fractures can affect any part of the arm, from the shoulder to the fingertips, and often affect soft tissue, joint stability, or nerve function. Thankfully, our practice treats both common and complex fractures, including broken fingers, wrist fractures, collarbone breaks, scapula injuries, stress fractures, and trauma to the humerus, radius, and ulna. We also care for open fractures that involve the skin and those that interfere with nerve signals, such as a brachial plexus injury.
Symptoms That May Indicate a Fracture
Fractures are commonly known for causing sharp, sudden pain. However, minor breaks or stress injuries may not be as obvious, and problems could develop as swelling and pain increase.
Symptoms that could suggest a fracture include:
- Sudden or sharp pain in a bone or joint
- Swelling or edema near the site of injury
- Bruising or skin discoloration
- Numbness, tingling, or nerve-related discomfort
- Limited movement in the shoulder, elbow, hand, or wrist
- A limb that appears out of place or deformed
- A visible bone under or through the skin
- Pain during motion or when pressure is applied
Our Diagnostic Approach to Fractures
A precise diagnosis is the foundation of an effective treatment plan, and we utilize advanced imaging to gain a clear understanding of your injury. Your initial consultation with a physician will involve a thorough physical examination and a detailed discussion about how the accident occurred. This conversation helps us understand the forces involved and anticipate the nature of the fracture.
Following the physical exam, we typically use X-rays to confirm the location and severity of the break. In some cases, particularly for a suspected stress fracture or an injury involving a complex joint or soft tissue, we may recommend a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to get a more detailed picture of the bone, cartilage, and surrounding tissue.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Many fractures can heal successfully without the need for an operation, and our team is highly experienced in these non-surgical methods. The primary goal of non-surgical treatment is to immobilize the broken bone, allowing it to mend in its correct position. For a stable wrist or hand fracture, a custom-molded splint or cast may be all that is needed to support the bone as it heals.
Our specialists will carefully apply the splint or cast to provide optimal support while minimizing discomfort. We will also provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your cast and what activities to avoid. Regular follow-up appointments will allow your physician to monitor your healing progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Orthopaedic Surgery (When Needed)
When a fracture is complex, displaced, or involves a joint, orthopedic surgery may be the most effective path to a full recovery. Our highly skilled surgeon will discuss the surgical options with you, explaining the procedure in a clear and understandable way. We often utilize a minimally invasive procedure to realign and stabilize the broken bone, which can lead to less pain and a quicker recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
During the procedure, the surgeon may use specialized pins, screws, or plates to hold the bone fragments together in their proper alignment. For a severe open fracture, the initial orthopedic surgery will also involve thoroughly cleaning the wound to prevent infection and repairing any damage to the surrounding skin and soft tissue.
Why Choose Us for Orthopaedic Fracture Care in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center offers focused care for upper limb fractures, utilizing decades of experience to meet every patient’s needs. Our physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists work closely on injuries affecting the shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, and fingers to provide the best possible outcomes.
With our practice, patients have access to on-site imaging, custom splinting, and therapy services all in one place. That continuity supports each stage of care, whether the injury involves a joint, a bone, or surrounding tissue, and allows patients to move with less pain and more confidence.
Call Now for Fracture Treatment in Philadelphia
If you’ve experienced an injury to your arm, hand, wrist, or shoulder, it’s important to seek care before complications arise. Our broken wrist specialists in Greater Philadelphia provide responsive treatment and follow-up care tailored to your needs. Call our office now to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward recovery with a trusted physician by your side.