A fracture is a medical term for a broken bone. While many fractures are simple, straightforward breaks, a complex fracture is more severe. It might involve multiple breaks in the same bone, damage to the surrounding tissues like ligaments and nerves, or a break that extends into a joint.
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of specialists in San Francisco, CA, has extensive experience in treating all types of fractures, from the simple to the most complex. We understand that a broken bone can be a painful and disruptive experience, and we’re here to provide the expert care you need to get back to your life.
This page will provide you with information about complex fractures of the hand, wrist, elbow, and humerus (the long bone in your upper arm). We’ll cover what causes these injuries, their common symptoms, and what to expect during treatment and recovery.
Common Symptoms and Causes
Complex fractures are often the result of a significant injury, such as:
- A serious fall
- A car accident
- A sports-related injury
The symptoms of a complex fracture are usually more severe than those of a simple fracture and may include:
- Intense pain
- Significant swelling and bruising
- Obvious deformity of the limb
- Inability to move the affected area
- Numbness or weakness in the hand or fingers
- A bone fragment piercing through the skin (an open fracture)
If you experience any of these symptoms after an injury, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Common Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase your risk of sustaining a complex fracture, including:
- Age: As we get older, our bones naturally become weaker and more brittle, making them more susceptible to breaking.
- Osteoporosis: This condition causes a significant decrease in bone density, making fractures more likely.
- Participation in high-impact sports: Activities like football, skiing, and skateboarding increase your risk of traumatic injuries.
- Certain medical conditions: Some conditions, like bone cancer, can weaken the bones and make them more prone to fractures.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment
The treatment for a complex fracture will depend on the severity and location of the injury. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:
Before Treatment
- Diagnosis: To diagnose a complex fracture, your doctor will perform a physical exam and order imaging tests, such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These tests will help them to determine the extent of the damage and plan the best course of treatment.
- Initial Treatment: In the emergency room, the initial treatment will focus on stabilizing the injury and managing your pain. This may involve:
- Reduction of the fracture (putting the fracture into better alignment)
- Applying a splint or cast
- Administering pain medication
- Cleaning and dressing any open wounds
During Treatment
- Non-Surgical Treatment: Some complex fractures can be treated without surgery. This may involve:
- Closed Reduction: In this procedure, your doctor will manually realign the broken bones without making an incision. You’ll be given a local anesthetic or sedative to minimize any discomfort.
- Immobilization: After the bones are realigned, your arm will be placed in a cast or splint to hold them in place while they heal.
- Surgical Treatment: In many cases, surgery is necessary to properly repair a complex fracture. The goal of surgery is to realign the bones and fix them in place with screws, plates, or rods. This is called an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). In some cases, an external fixator may be used, which is a frame outside the body that holds the bones in place with pins. Sometimes a closed reduction with pins can be performed without an incision, this is called a closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP)
After Treatment
- Recovery: The recovery time for a complex fracture can be several months. You’ll likely need to wear a cast or splint for several weeks, and you may need to take pain medication.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a crucial part of the recovery process. It will help you to regain your strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected limb.
- Follow-up Care: You’ll have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and ensure that your fracture is healing properly.
Why Choose California Pacific Orthopaedics?
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care. Our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons has the expertise and experience to treat even the most complex fractures. We use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
If you have suffered a complex fracture of the hand, wrist, elbow, or humerus, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. We have offices in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area, and we offer both in-person and virtual appointments. We are here to help you on your road to recovery.
