The Purpose Of A Plate And Screws In Fracture Treatment
A plate is a flat piece of metal made of titanium or stainless steel that has holes in it. The plate fits on the surface of a fractured bone and screws are placed through the holes in the plate to hold the plate to the bone.
All the plate does is hold the fractured bone pieces together while they heal. After the bone heals, the plate and screws serve no function at all. All the strength of a healed bone comes from the bone itself. In fact, if the bone never heals, a strong plate can easily be broken in half if the patient uses the hand in a careless way!
Also Check: How Do You Tell If Your Wrist Is Broken
Different Types Of Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures are common and usually happen if you put your hands out to protect yourself when you trip or fall. Treatment for a wrist fracture can vary depending on the severity and the type of fracture. An orthopedic surgeon will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment to ensure a successful recovery from a wrist fracture.
A broken wrist usually causes immediate pain, swelling, and tenderness, and there may be bruising or discoloration to the affected area. In some cases, there may also be an obvious deformity. If you experience severe pain, have an open fracture , if the wrist area is deformed or numb, or if the fingers are no longer pink, you should seek immediate medical treatment.
Dont Miss: Is Ice Or Heat Better For Nerve Pain
Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome: A type of compression neuropathy caused by compression and irritation of the median nerve in the wrist. The nerve is compressed within the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in the palm side of the wrist that provides passage for the median nerve to the hand. The irritation of the median nerve is specifically due to pressure from the transverse carpal ligament.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be due to trauma from repetitive work such as that of supermarket checkers, checkers in other types of stores, assembly line workers, meat packers, typists, word processors, accountants, writers, etc. Other factors predisposing to CTS include obesity, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, arthritis, and diabetes.
The symptoms of CTS include numbness and tingling of the hand, wrist pain, a “pins and needles” feeling at night, weakness in the grip and a feeling of incoordination.
The diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms, supported by signs on physical examination, and confirmed by nerve conduction testing.
The surgical procedure is called a carpal tunnel release. It relieves the pressure exerted on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. This surgical procedure is performed via a small incision using conventional surgery or a fiberoptic scope .
Don’t Miss: Wrist Arthritis Home Remedies
Dont Ignore Wrist Injuries
Wrist fractures, like essentially all broken bones are best treated when treated early. This may be as simple and putting a brace on, which will immobilize and protect the bone easing the pain and preventing displacement.
Some fractures, like the scaphoid fracture, have poor outcomes when treated late. Due to its unique blood supply, scaphoid fractures have higher risk of non-healing or nonunion than other wrist bones. When this bone does not heal, it will, overtime, develop a predictable pattern of wrist arthritis.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes
The causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are not known. However any activity or the presence of some diseases that leads to increased tension or stress in the carpal tunnel may result in developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of the causes are as follows:
Repetitive acts that cause inflammation of the tendons, like-
- Increased movements of the hands and wrists,
- Typing over a long period of time,
- Driving
Recommended Reading: Can Blueberries Cause Stomach Pain
What Are The Occupational Factors Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke indicates that carpal tunnel syndrome is “often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself”.
Carpal tunnel syndrome has been associated with certain tasks including:
- Repetitive hand motions.
- Mechanical stress on the palm.
- Vibration.
Those workers performing assembly line work – including manufacturing, finishing, cleaning, and meat/poultry/fish packaging – commonly report this injury. Cashiers, hairdressers, or knitters or sewers are examples of people whose work-related tasks involve the repetitive wrist movements associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Bakers who flex or extend the wrist while kneading dough, and people who flex the fingers and wrist in tasks such as milking cows, using a spray paint gun, and hand-weeding are other examples. Excessive use of vibrating hand tools may also be related to carpal tunnel syndrome.
A possible link between carpal tunnel syndrome and computer mouse use is uncertain. While keyboarding work is generally not a risk factor for developing carpal tunnel syndrome, it can cause pain and exacerbate symptoms for those who already have the condition.
Note that the repetitive motions required for keyboard work and the use of a computer mouse may be related to the development of other injuries.
| Table 1 |
|---|
- Use of oral contraceptives.
- Menopause.
How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed
First, your doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history and examine you. Next, tests are performed, which may include:
- Tinels sign: In this test, the physician taps over the median nerve at the wrist to see if it produces a tingling sensation in the fingers.
- Wrist flexion test : In this test, the patient rests his or her elbows on a table and allows the wrist to fall forward freely. Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome will experience numbness and tingling in the fingers within 60 seconds. The more quickly symptoms appear, the more severe the carpal tunnel syndrome.
- X-rays: X-rays of the wrist may be ordered if there is limited wrist motion, or evidence of arthritis or trauma.
- Electromyography and nerve conduction studies: These studies determine how well the median nerve itself is working and how well it controls muscle movement.
Recommended Reading: Does Ginger Ale Help Stomach
What Does Carpal Tunnel Feel Like When Its Advanced
When a patient asks,”What does carpal tunnel feel like?”the answer always comes back to severity.Mild symptoms are nearly the same as severe symptoms.It’s just that severe symptoms are a lot more intense. And you might feel a few other sensations, too.
In time and without treatment, carpal tunnel syndromewill progress.Pain intensifies greatly. Patients often use descriptive terms like “cruel” or “punishing” pain. Pain medicines simply won’t work at this stage. And it’s usually this intense and unrelenting pain that reduces a person’s quality of life.
The affected hand usually gets even more numb. The numbness usually spreads to all fingers except the pinky finger. Patients describe the numbness as “crushing” or “in a vice”. This is when patients often say,”It’s so bad I want to cut my hand off.”
Grip strength and dexterity continue to decline. Ultimately, fine dexterity is almost completely lost.
With severe stage carpal tunnel, patients generally begin losing theability to feel hot or coldin the fingertips. In fact, finger burning and scalding around the kitchen stove is common among patients with severe stage carpal tunnel syndrome.
The condition ofend stage carpal tunnel syndromeis the final phase of this disorder. It usually appears as wasting of the muscles at the base of your hand. In other words, the normally-plump thumb muscle becomes flat and wrinkled. At this point your thumb is nearly useless.
Treatment: Rest And Immobilization
Underlying causes such as diabetes or arthritis will need treatment. Then your doctor may advise resting the hand and wrist and wearing a brace to limit movement. Night use is important to prevent the wrist from curling during sleep, which can make symptoms flare up. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, along with cold compresses, may reduce pain.
You May Like: Can Having A Big Belly Cause Back Pain
When Should I Call A Doctor
Anytime you have any of the common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome on a regular basis. When you get care early on, you may find that basic options, such as rest or wearing a wrist brace, work well. Thatâll allow you to avoid more serious treatment like surgery. Without any treatment, your symptoms could become permanent.
Who Is At Risk For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
People at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome are those who do activities or jobs that involve repetitive finger use. Motions that can place people at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- High-force .
- Extreme wrist motions.
- Vibration.
Many other factors can also contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. These factors can include:
- Heredity .
- Pregnancy.
- Amyloid deposits .
Carpal tunnel syndrome is also more common in women than in men.
You May Like: Can Blueberries Cause Stomach Pain
How Can We Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome may involve redesigning work stations, tools, or the job, and educating workers. Proper work station design reduces awkward wrist positions and minimizes the stressful effects of repetitive motions. Awkward positions can originate from unsuitable work station designs that do not take into account the size and proportions of the human body. Work stations should be adjustable and should accommodate a vast majority of people who work in that area.
Redesigning work methods is important. For example, using an adjustable fixture to hold an electrical housing, as Figure 3 shows, reduces wrist flexion.
What Are The Common Causes Of Broken Wrists
There are a great number of potential causes of wrist fractures. Winter is a particularly risky time falling onto an outstretched hand is one of the most common causes of a broken wrist and slippery winter conditions make falls more likely. Winter sports such as skiing and ice-skating also have high incidences of wrist fractures.
Other common causes of broken wrists include:
- A direct blow to the wrist
- Falls or impact injuries during sports
- Automobile accidents
- Falling from a height
Older patients, especially those with osteoporosis, are more susceptible to wrist fractures. Those with osteoporosis may break bones in their wrists by simply falling from a standing position.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Stomach Pain After Eating Pineapple
Recommended Reading: Can Sciatica Cause Abdominal Pain
What To Expect After Surgery
There may be some swelling and stiffness right after surgery, which can be relieved by elevating your hand over your heart and moving your fingers frequently. You may need to wear a wrist brace for a few weeks while you heal, but will still be able to use your hands. Pain and weakness usually resolve within two months after surgery, but it may take six months to a year to recover completely.
What Should I Do When I Get Home
Your skin is going to be very sensitive for the next few days, so youll need to treat it gently. You may be tempted to scrub or scratch all the dead skin off your limb the moment you get home. Instead of rubbing, scrubbing, or scratching your skin, gently wash it with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth or gauze pads.
If you had an open wound when your limb was broken or fractured, your skin may have scabs on it. Scratching the scabs could damage the skin and lead to an infection, so resist the urge! If theres still an open wound, follow your doctors instructions on how to take care of it.
If your limb was in a cast for 3 weeks or more, soak your skin in warm water for 20 minutes twice a day for the first few days after the cast is removed. Gently rub your skin dry with a soft towel. The key word here is gently. Rubbing the skin too hard can damage the new skin.
Support your limb as it continues to heal. After the support the cast used to provide is gone, people often notice a limb feels stiff or sore, or is swollen. Move gradually back into using it. Start with small, easy movements and work your way up to using the limb fully.
Put on lotion after you clean the area where the cast was. This will keep your skin soft, speed healing, and help stop itching. Choose a fragrance-free lotion because perfumes can irritate skin thats delicate or sensitive from being in a cast. Lotions made with cocoa butter work well.
You May Like: Does Lidocaine Work For Nerve Pain
Don’t Miss: Is It Painful To Cut Your Wrist
Symptoms Of Als Vs Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
ALS is a progressive neurologic condition caused by degeneration of both upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons which eventually leads to muscular paralysis and death, says John-Paul H. Rue, MD, orthopedic sports medicine surgeon with Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD.
In its early stages , limb weakness, cramping and muscle fasciculations may be a part of the initial presentation and could be confused with the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, says Dr. Rue.
A thorough physical examination can help distinguish the key features of carpal tunnel syndrome from generalized limb weakness and upper motor neuron symptoms of overactive reflexes which characterize ALS, although there may be some overlapping symptoms.
As mentioned, as time progresses, the symptoms of ALS will also progress and spread to other parts of the body.
If youve had hand symptoms for months on end but no spread of any muscle weakness to the arm, theres a good chance that after these many months, you do not have ALS.
However, why not just see a doctor? Because if its carpal tunnel, this needs to be treated, as it may get more painful and troublesome. Conservative treatments can help.
Shutterstock/Praisaeng
There are tests that a doctor can give you in the office that, depending on how you respond, would strongly point to a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Results of an EMG for carpal tunnel syndrome will be different than those for ALS.
Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Only Happen To Office Workers Or Factory Workers
No. Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome have never done office work or worked on an assembly line. It affects people who use their wrists and hands repeatedly at work and at play. Anyone can get carpel tunnel syndrome, but it is unusual before age 20. The chance of getting carpal tunnel syndrome increases with age.
Recommended Reading: Lower Left Abdominal Pain Pregnancy Symptom
What Other Conditions Can Cause Similar Symptoms
Several of them. One, which doctors call de Quervain tenosynovitis, causes problems with the tendons that control your thumb. It hurts to turn your wrist, make a fist, or try to grasp an object. Your doctor can do some simple tests to tell whether you have this condition or carpal tunnel.
Other health problems that may seem like carpal tunnel syndrome include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery
If your CTS is getting worse and other treatments have not worked, the GP might refer you to a specialist to discuss surgery.
Surgery usually cures CTS. You and your specialist will decide together if it’s the right treatment for you.
An injection numbs your wrist so you do not feel pain and a small cut is made in your hand. The carpal tunnel inside your wrist is cut so it no longer puts pressure on the nerve.
The operation takes around 20 minutes and you do not have to stay in hospital overnight.
It can take a month after the operation to get back to normal activities.
You May Like: Cutting Wrist Vertically
Signs Of A Broken Wrist
While you will have pain in your wrist regardless of if its broken or sprained, you will have significantly more pain if you break your wrist.
Some of the signs of a broken wrist include:
- Swelling
- Tenderness to touch
You might also experience tingling in your fingers.
Another sign to consider is if you are completely unable to move your wrist either because you have so much pain or because of the swelling.
You May Like: Is My Wrist Fractured Or Sprained
The Fact That Many Chronic Cts Sufferers Get Relief From Numbness In Just A Few Days While Applying Carpal Solution Therapy Is Nothing Short Of Amazing
The most common ailment that affects the Transverse Carpal Ligament, this critical passage in the hand, in fact, is known as CTS . It is caused when the Median Nerve is pinched against the hard walls or the tendons which also run through the Tunnel.
There are multiple issues that can lead to increased pressure on the Median Nerve.
For example injured soft tissue can contract, pinching the nerve.
One or more of the tendons passing through the tunnel can swell putting pressure on the nerve.
Lymphatic fluid can also build up from injured tissue or generated by other physiological ailments, such as menopause, creating pinching pressure in this narrow space.
Don’t Miss: How To Fake A Broken Wrist
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are listed below:
- A feeling of numbness or tingling in the thumb and/or the adjoining fingers. This feeling may be more pronounced at night due to the inactivity of the hand.
- A feeling of tingling or numbness in the palm of the hand
- Pain that may shoot up the forearm and may extend up to the elbow.
- Occasional development of a burning sensation in the wrists and hands.
- Difficulty in the movement or coordination of the fingers in one or both hands.
- Wrist pain in one or both hands
- One of both of the hands may develop weakness or cramping
- Difficulties in gripping objects or carrying bags which eventually results in patients dropping them.
- Severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome may lead to wasting away of the thumb muscle or that of under it.
https://www.knowmypain.com/wp-content/uploads/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-surgery-photograph-by-mark-thomas.jpeg
https://www.knowmypain.com/what-does-carpal-tunnel-look-like/
https://www.knowmypain.com/wp-content/uploads/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-surgery-photograph-by-mark-thomas.jpeg
https://knowmypain.weebly.com/know-my-pain/what-does-carpal-tunnel-look-like
No comments:
Post a Comment