Distal Humerus

History: 60 year-old male who injured his left elbow while riding his bicycle.  He went to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a severe fracture of the elbow that included the joint surface.  He he also had some arthritis in the elbow prior to his fall but it was not very bothersome to him. 

Diagnosis: Left complex distal humerus fracture 

Treatment: Left elbow open reduction internal fixation through an olecranon osteotomy

Outcome: His recovery was very smooth. Within a few weeks he was already using his arms for crutches and working on his range of motion. By 4 months after surgery he had near full motion with no pain. After 6 months he was fully healed. The incision was nearly invisible.

Scaphoid Non-Displaced

History: 52 year-old male who fell directly onto his right hand with pain and swelling. An initial X-ray was negative for fracture in the Emergency Department. He was evaluated by Dr. Franko who recognized a subtle scaphoid fracture and recommended either non-operative (cast) or operative (surgery) treatment. Because the patient desired a faster return to work, activities, and strengthening while avoiding a long-term cast treatment, he elected for surgery.

Diagnosis: Right scaphoid waist fracture

 

Treatment: Right scaphoid mini-open internal fixation

Outcome: By 6 weeks the fracture was healing and he was aggressively working on motion with therapy. He had minimal pain and had returned to full work. At 3 months a CT scan showed the fracture was fully healed and by 5 months he had fully regained motion without any pain or discomfort.

DRFx Fragment Specific

History: 64 year-old female who was in a motor vehicle accident and admitted to the hospital for severe injuries including a fracture of the distal radius and distal ulna (wrist) on her left wrist. X-rays and CT scans showed a severe wrist fracture with intra-articular impaction, displacement and angulation resulting in severe pain, swelling, and deformity.

Diagnosis: Left distal radius fracture

Treatment: Open reduction and internal fixation with 3 plates, screws, and wires

Outcome: At 4 months she was doing well with a healed fracture but with persistent pain and irritation over the dorsal aspect of her wrist and limited motion.  After working hard with physical therapy, we agreed to removal the dorsal plates and screws to reduce discomfort.  

Just 1 month after removing the dorsal plates and screws she was already improved.  Scars were fully healed and her motion was almost back to normal.  Strength is still improving.  She is very happy with the result.