What to expect during surgery: 

Operative treatment of forearm, elbow and humerus fractures is generally performed on an outpatient basis. Surgery is generally called “open reduction internal fixation” to describe lining up and stabilizing your fracture. Dr. Holt will meet you on the day of surgery and review the plan. Anesthesia options include general or light sedation in combination with a regional nerve block. You will be taken back to the operating room where your wrist will be cleaned and draped.

An incision will be made around the injured area to gain access to the fracture. At times, multiple incision are needed. The fracture will be reduced to line up the fragments as normally as possible and then metal implants will usually be placed in and/or around the fracture to stabilize the bone. Additionally, some injuries also require stabilization/treatment of soft tissues such as torn ligaments which can to the complexity of the injury. The incision will be closed with stitches a splint will be placed to protect the injured area during the early healing period.

Pain Control:

Start with simple, but effective pain relief strategies such as ice and elevation. Especially for the first 2 - 3 days, attempt to keep your hand above your heart as much as possible. This will significantly limit pain and swelling. Next, try over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen. Most patients tolerate these medications well. Take them food, and make sure to check your allergies and/or other medications and medical issues to ensure it is safe to take them. Many patients use a small amount of narcotic medication after surgery which will be provided to you on the day of surgery as needed. Take them as directed and only as needed.

Dressing/Bandage:

Keep your dressing on until you return for follow up. Use a plastic bag or cover to keep it dry during showers/hygiene.

Activity:

You may use your hands immediately for light activities of daily living such as feeding yourself, dressing, and using a phone and/or computer. You should avoid lifting/pushing/pulling more than 1 pound and/or the use of power tools and highly repetitive activities until you return for follow up. Additionally, work on the attached finger range of motion exercises multiple times per day. It is very important to begin moving your fingers right after surgery and keep them moving to avoid stiffness.

Additional Information:

After surgery, you should expect some pain, swelling, and stiffness. Dr. Holt will talk to you about when it is safe to return to work. Most patients can return to light work (computer/desk work) within a few days, but it may take 3 months or longer to return to more demanding work (labor, construction, etc.). Most fractures generally heal around 3 months. However, even once the fracture has healed many patients will still have some stiffness/weakness/mild pain that may continue to improve for 9 – 12 months or longer. Depending on your progress, Dr. Holt may recommend therapy.

Fractures involving the forearm, elbow and/or humerus can be complex and treatment/recovery is specific to your injury so may vary from the above general information.

Follow-Up: Your follow up appointment is generally 10 – 14 days after your surgery and should be in your discharge packet on the day of surgery.