Condition Lookup

Clavicle fracture

Symptoms:
pain over the clavicle; swelling; bruising; visible deformity; difficulty moving the arm; crepitus over the fracture site

Root Cause:
A break in the clavicle, typically caused by trauma such as a fall onto the shoulder, direct blow, or fall onto an outstretched hand.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, confirmed with imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans for more complex fractures.

Treatment:
Immobilization with a sling or figure-of-eight brace, pain management, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgical fixation with plates or screws.

Medications:
Pain relief is managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen . Severe pain may require opioids like codeine (short-term use).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals of all ages; accounts for 5–10% of all fractures.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Contact sports, cycling, motor vehicle accidents, osteoporosis, and high-impact trauma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent in most cases, with proper treatment leading to complete healing. Complications may occur in severe or displaced fractures.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malunion, nonunion, neurovascular injury, shoulder stiffness, or chronic pain.

Shoulder dislocation (anterior, posterior)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Shoulder Injuries

Symptoms:
severe shoulder pain; visible shoulder deformity; inability to move the shoulder; swelling; bruising; numbness or weakness in the arm

Root Cause:
Displacement of the humeral head from the glenoid fossa, often due to trauma, falls, or forceful arm movement. Anterior dislocations are more common than posterior.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, confirmed with X-rays or MRI to assess associated soft tissue damage.

Treatment:
Reduction (repositioning of the joint), followed by immobilization and physical therapy. Surgery may be required for recurrent dislocations or ligament damage.

Medications:
Pain management with NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen , naproxen ). Muscle relaxants like diazepam or methocarbamol can help reduce muscle spasms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for approximately 50% of all major joint dislocations, with anterior dislocations being the most common.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Contact sports, previous shoulder dislocations, joint hypermobility, and high-energy trauma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment, but recurrence rates are high in young, active individuals.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrent dislocations, labral tears, axillary nerve injury, rotator cuff damage, and joint arthritis.

Rotator cuff tears

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Shoulder Injuries

Symptoms:
shoulder pain, especially at night; weakness in the shoulder; difficulty lifting or rotating the arm; cracking or popping sensation; limited range of motion

Root Cause:
Partial or complete tear of the tendons forming the rotator cuff, often due to overuse, degeneration, or acute injury.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound, MRI, or X-rays with contrast (arthrogram).

Treatment:
Rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications for mild cases; surgical repair for severe or chronic tears.

Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections may be used for persistent inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Increases with age; occurs in 10–25% of individuals over 60 years. Common in athletes and individuals with repetitive overhead activities.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, repetitive overhead activities, heavy lifting, trauma, smoking, and poor blood supply to the tendons.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies based on severity; small tears often respond well to conservative treatment, but larger tears may require surgery and have prolonged recovery times.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent shoulder pain, weakness, stiffness, loss of function, and arthritis in chronic untreated cases.

Humeral shaft fracture

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Arm and Elbow Injuries

Symptoms:
pain in the upper arm; swelling; bruising; difficulty moving the arm; visible deformity; crepitus (grating sensation) at the fracture site

Root Cause:
Break or crack along the diaphysis (shaft) of the humerus bone, often caused by direct trauma or a twisting injury.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays to confirm fracture type and location, CT scan for complex fractures.

Treatment:
Immobilization with a brace or splint, surgical fixation with plates and screws or intramedullary nails for unstable fractures.

Medications:
Pain relief using NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen , diclofenac ) or opioids (e.g., tramadol ) for severe pain. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed for associated muscle spasms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for approximately 3-5% of all fractures.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-energy trauma (e.g., car accidents), falls, osteoporosis, pathological fractures due to cancer or infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good in most cases with proper treatment; union typically occurs within 8-12 weeks.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Radial nerve palsy, malunion, nonunion, infection (if surgical treatment is used).

Supracondylar fracture

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Arm and Elbow Injuries

Symptoms:
swelling around the elbow; pain and tenderness; inability to straighten the arm; bruising; visible deformity

Root Cause:
Fracture at the distal humerus just above the elbow joint, often caused by a fall on an outstretched hand.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays, Doppler ultrasound or angiography to assess vascular involvement in severe cases.

Treatment:
Closed reduction and casting for non-displaced fractures, surgical pinning (percutaneous pinning) for displaced fractures.

Medications:
NSAIDs for pain relief (e.g., ibuprofen ), acetaminophen for mild pain, and antibiotics if surgery is performed to prevent infection.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common elbow fracture in children, particularly between ages 5-10.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Falls, particularly during play or sports, or weak bone development.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with timely treatment; healing typically occurs within 4-6 weeks in children.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Vascular injury (brachial artery), nerve injury, compartment syndrome, cubitus varus deformity (gunstock deformity).

Elbow dislocation

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Arm and Elbow Injuries

Symptoms:
intense pain; swelling; inability to bend or straighten the elbow; visible deformity; numbness or tingling in the hand

Root Cause:
Displacement of the bones in the elbow joint, often caused by a fall on an outstretched hand or high-energy trauma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, X-rays to confirm dislocation, MRI or CT if associated fractures or soft tissue injuries are suspected.

Treatment:
Closed reduction under sedation for simple dislocations, surgical repair for complex dislocations or associated fractures.

Medications:
Pain management with NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen , naproxen ), opioids (e.g., morphine ) for severe pain, and muscle relaxants if needed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Elbow dislocations are the second most common large joint dislocation after shoulder dislocations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sports injuries, falls, and motor vehicle accidents.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally favorable with early reduction and rehabilitation; recovery occurs within 6-12 weeks.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Joint stiffness, ligament damage, recurrent dislocations, vascular or nerve injuries, arthritis in chronic cases.

Radius and Ulna Fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Forearm and Wrist Injuries

Symptoms:
pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area; visible deformity of the forearm or wrist; limited range of motion or inability to move the wrist or fingers; bruising and numbness due to nerve compression or damage

Root Cause:
Fractures of the radius or ulna occur when the bone(s) break due to trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, or high-energy impact. Specific fracture types (e.g., Colles’ or Smith’s fractures) depend on the direction and force of the injury.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination (checking for deformity, tenderness, and range of motion). Imaging

Treatment:
Immobilization with a cast or splint for simple, non-displaced fractures. Closed reduction for fractures with misalignment. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery for severe or displaced fractures. Physical therapy after healing to restore mobility and strength.

Medications:
Pain management medications - Acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen . Bone healing support medications - Calcium and vitamin D supplements if indicated. Antibiotics - Prescribed prophylactically if the fracture is open or at risk of infection.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Forearm fractures account for about 50% of all fractures in children and 15% of fractures in adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Osteoporosis or low bone density. Participation in contact or high-impact sports. Falls, especially in older adults or those with balance issues. Trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or workplace injuries.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good prognosis with prompt treatment, particularly for simple fractures. Severe fractures may require longer recovery and carry a risk of long-term stiffness or weakness.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malunion or nonunion of the fracture. Nerve damage (e.g., median nerve in Colles’ fracture). Compartment syndrome (swelling leading to pressure buildup in the forearm). Post-traumatic arthritis in the wrist or forearm joints.

Colles’ Fracture

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Forearm and Wrist Injuries

Symptoms:
pain, swelling, and tenderness around the wrist; deformity resembling a "dinner fork" due to dorsal displacement of the distal radius; difficulty moving the wrist or fingers; bruising and potential nerve symptoms like tingling or numbness in severe cases

Root Cause:
A break in the distal radius bone, typically caused by falling on an outstretched hand with the wrist extended.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with X-rays showing a distal radius fracture with dorsal displacement.

Treatment:
Treated with closed reduction and casting or surgical fixation for severe cases.

Medications:
Pain relievers - Acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen for pain and inflammation. Calcium and vitamin D supplements - Recommended in cases of osteoporosis or low bone density.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in older adults, especially postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, accounting for up to 20% of all fractures in this demographic.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, osteoporosis, and previous wrist fractures. High-impact activities or falls. Weak bone density due to medical conditions or medication side effects.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally favorable with proper treatment, though mild stiffness or reduced wrist strength may persist. Early rehabilitation improves outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malunion, leading to reduced range of motion. Nerve injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Persistent wrist pain or post-traumatic arthritis.

Smith’s Fracture

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Forearm and Wrist Injuries

Symptoms:
wrist pain and tenderness; swelling and bruising around the fracture site; deformity with the distal radius displaced toward the palm; difficulty moving or gripping objects

Root Cause:
Fracture of the distal radius due to falling on a flexed wrist or direct trauma to the back of the wrist.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with X-rays showing a distal radius fracture with volar displacement.

Treatment:
Treated with reduction and immobilization or surgical fixation, depending on severity.

Medications:
Pain relievers - Acetaminophen or NSAIDs like naproxen to manage discomfort. Bone-strengthening supplements - Calcium and vitamin D, particularly for individuals with osteoporosis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common than Colles’ fractures but occurs in both older adults with osteoporosis and younger individuals with high-impact injuries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Osteoporosis, falls on a flexed wrist, and high-energy trauma

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable when promptly treated, though stiffness or decreased wrist mobility can occur. Early rehabilitation improves outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malunion or improper healing. Chronic wrist pain or reduced function. Nerve or tendon injuries due to the fracture displacement.

Scaphoid Fracture

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Forearm and Wrist Injuries

Symptoms:
pain and tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox (the depression at the base of the thumb); swelling around the wrist; difficulty moving the wrist and thumb; pain with gripping or lifting objects

Root Cause:
Fracture of the scaphoid bone in the wrist, typically caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. It is often missed on initial X-rays due to its location.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination - Tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox. X-rays - Can be normal initially, but repeat imaging or CT/MRI may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:
Non-surgical - Casting or splinting the wrist to immobilize the scaphoid and allow it to heal. Surgical - Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) if the fracture is displaced or if non-surgical treatment fails. Physical therapy post-healing for strengthening and restoring motion.

Medications:
Pain management - Acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen to control pain and inflammation. Bone healing - Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be advised to promote healing, particularly in cases with poor blood supply.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Scaphoid fractures are the most common type of carpal bone fracture, accounting for about 60% of all wrist fractures.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact trauma or falls, particularly in sports or work-related injuries. Young adults (especially those engaged in activities such as football, skiing, or cycling).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good prognosis with appropriate treatment; however, there is a risk of nonunion (failure to heal) due to poor blood supply to the scaphoid.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Nonunion or delayed union of the fracture. Osteoarthritis due to joint instability if not treated properly. Avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply).

Wrist Dislocations

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Forearm and Wrist Injuries

Symptoms:
severe pain and deformity in the wrist; swelling and bruising around the wrist; inability to move the wrist or fingers; numbness or tingling if nerves are compressed

Root Cause:
Dislocation of the carpal bones in the wrist, often caused by high-energy trauma, such as a fall from a height or a motor vehicle accident.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination - Visible deformity and limited motion. X-rays or CT scans to confirm the type of dislocation and rule out fractures.

Treatment:
Closed reduction - Manipulating the bones back into place under anesthesia. Surgical reduction and fixation - In cases where closed reduction is unsuccessful or the dislocation is complex. Immobilization with a cast or splint after reduction. Physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength.

Medications:
Pain relief - NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and inflammation. Antibiotics - In cases of open wrist dislocations (rare), to prevent infection.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Wrist dislocations are rare compared to fractures, but they often result from high-energy trauma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-energy trauma such as car accidents, falls from heights, or sports injuries. Osteoporosis or weakened bones may make the wrist more susceptible to dislocations.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt and effective treatment, most people recover well. However, long-term complications can include joint instability and post-traumatic arthritis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Nerve damage, such as median or ulnar nerve injury. Tendon injuries or rupture due to forceful dislocation. Chronic pain, instability, and arthritis if not properly treated.

Metacarpal fractures (e.g., boxer’s fracture)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Hand and Finger Injuries

Symptoms:
pain in the hand, particularly over the metacarpal; swelling and bruising around the fracture site; deformity or misalignment of the hand; difficulty moving the fingers; tenderness upon palpation of the hand

Root Cause:
A metacarpal fracture typically occurs from a blunt force trauma or punch, often involving the fifth metacarpal (boxer's fracture) due to striking a hard object.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on physical examination and confirmed by X-rays to assess the location and severity of the fracture.

Treatment:
Conservative treatment - immobilization with a cast or splint if the fracture is non-displaced. Surgical treatment - for displaced fractures or fractures that affect joint alignment, surgery with pins, plates, or screws may be required.

Medications:
Pain management is typically handled with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs). In cases of severe pain or post-surgery, stronger opioids (e.g., oxycodone ) may be prescribed temporarily.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Boxer’s fractures are common in individuals who engage in fistfights, particularly in men aged 18-30.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Engaging in fistfights or activities involving high-risk hand trauma. Alcohol intoxication during trauma events. Lack of protective hand gear during activities.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most metacarpal fractures heal well with appropriate treatment, and hand function is often fully restored, though some cases may require rehabilitation to regain full motion.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include nonunion or malunion of the bone, stiffness, loss of motion, or arthritis in the affected joint.

Phalangeal fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Hand and Finger Injuries

Symptoms:
pain and tenderness in the finger or toe; swelling and bruising at the fracture site; deformity or abnormal alignment of the digit; inability to move the affected finger or toe

Root Cause:
Fractures of the phalanges (bones of the fingers or toes) result from direct trauma, such as crush injuries, falls, or sports-related accidents.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination and X-rays are used to confirm the fracture and assess its severity (e.g., whether it's a simple or complex fracture).

Treatment:
Conservative treatment - If the fracture is non-displaced, a splint or buddy tape may be used to immobilize the digit. Surgical treatment - For displaced or complex fractures, surgery may be required to realign the bones using pins, screws, or plates.

Medications:
Pain relief is commonly provided with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen , and in more severe cases, opioid analgesics like hydrocodone may be prescribed post-surgery.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Phalangeal fractures are commonly seen in sports injuries, occupational accidents, or falls.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Participation in contact sports or activities involving high risk for trauma to the hands or feet. Occupational hazards (e.g., construction work). Poor bone health due to conditions like osteoporosis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment, most phalangeal fractures heal well, with restoration of function, though there can be complications like joint stiffness or long-term pain if not treated properly.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications include malalignment, nonunion, joint deformity, stiffness, and arthritis.

Tendon lacerations (e.g., flexor or extensor tendons)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Hand and Finger Injuries

Symptoms:
inability to move the affected finger normally; pain at the laceration site; swelling and tenderness over the tendon; visible laceration or wound

Root Cause:
Tendon lacerations occur due to cuts or sharp injuries to the fingers or hands, resulting in the severing or damaging of the flexor or extensor tendons responsible for finger movement.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment, including physical examination to observe the loss of movement. Ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess tendon integrity, and a laceration can be confirmed with a thorough examination.

Treatment:
Surgical repair is required to reattach the tendon and restore function. After surgery, physical therapy is often needed for rehabilitation to regain full mobility and strength.

Medications:
Pain management typically includes NSAIDs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen . In some cases, stronger medications like opioids (e.g., morphine or oxycodone ) may be prescribed post-surgery. Antibiotics may be given if the wound is contaminated to prevent infection (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Tendon lacerations are more common in individuals who work in environments with high risks of sharp objects, as well as in people involved in sports or accidents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational risk factors (e.g., working with knives, machinery, or in construction). Trauma or cutting accidents. Poor protective measures (e.g., not wearing gloves in hazardous environments).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Surgical repair generally results in good recovery, though full functionality may take time to return. Complications can delay recovery.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include infection, tendon rupture, scar tissue formation, and long-term loss of finger function or flexibility.