The history of fracture fixation of the hand and wrist

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
Neil G Harness, Roy A Meals

Abstract

The treatment of fractures of the hand and wrist has evolved over the centuries from one of rest and immobilization to internal fixation and early motion. Although today's technology (anesthesia, antibiotics, metal implants) has allowed us more freedom in treating these injuries, a number of our patients continue to experience stiffness, nonunion, malunion, and chronic pain. We explore the techniques used to treat hand and wrist fractures throughout the centuries and determine what beneficial aspects of fracture care have been maintained and those that have changed as a result of new technology. We are now realizing that rigid immobilization of fractures at the expense of the soft tissues can be just as damaging as the ancient physician's techniques of prolonged immobilization with frequent dressing changes. New implants and lighter cast materials have allowed improved digital motion and early functional use of the extremity. This has become especially important in the treatment of the aging population, which demands improved function and a quicker return to activities. The optimal treatment of these fractures for each patient remains elusive, however, and there remains a tendency to rely on technology at the expense of sound c...Continue Reading

Citations

Jun 12, 2009·Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery·Robert E BoykinJesse B Jupiter
Apr 18, 2013·Orthopedics·Joy C VroemenGeert J Streekstra
Jul 20, 2021·Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS·Galip Gencay ÜstünUğur Koçer
Aug 29, 2006·Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·D Kay Clawson
Apr 2, 2008·Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery·C J van ManenM van der Elst
Jan 9, 2010·Operative Orthopädie und Traumatologie·Bernd HohendorffKarl-Josef Prommersberger

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Antifungals (ASM)

An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.

Antifungals

An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.

Related Papers

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
P J SternD G Reilly
Instructional Course Lectures
J Mi Lee HaismanA J Weiland
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
S G EdwardsG W Wood
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved