Upper Extremity: Explained
The upper extremity is one of the most powerful tools that we use to interact with our world. The upper extremity is the part of the body that comprises the shoulder, the arm, and the hand. Orthopedic care of the upper extremity can be difficult when all of the key areas are concerned. To combat the difficulty in being skilled in all areas of the upper extremity many orthopedic doctors and surgeons specialize in particular areas such as the deltoids (shoulder region) or the hands.
When Orthopedic Care of the Upper Extremity is Needed
The unique nature of this area of the body comes at the cost of fragility. Because of the precision and specificity of our hands the small bones are fragile. In addition our shoulders, while demonstrating a comparatively immense range of motion, can easily be injured. Events that result in injury are not the only time orthopedic doctors are necessary for the upper extremity. We use our hands constantly to interact with our world, use our arms to move our hands, and we use our shoulders to move our arms. With this example it is easy to see why throughout our lives these areas might wear down.
The Upper Extremity Orthopedic Process
Even in the absence of injury these areas wear down and need extra care. Many people have hand surgery to regain mobility, relieve pain, and improve function. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common ailment that warrants orthopedic intervention, typically surgery, which is now done in a non-invasive manner (no large incisions). Shoulder injuries are most commonly dealt with by the intervention of physical rehabilitation (exercises or therapeutic techniques) or surgical methods. Because this area is comprised of so many bones and muscles, surgical intervention is usually the most effective treatment and is often very successful. Speaking with an orthopedic physician who specializes in the upper extremity is a great way to find out the best way to prevent injury and improve the health of this anatomical region.
Other Upper Extremity Services
Carpal tunnel decompression
Distal radius fracture repair
Dupuytren’s contracture release
Ulnar nerve transposition
Basal joint surgery
Trigger finger release