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Types of upper limb injuries

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There are numerous injuries that can be suffered by the upper limb. These arm injuries have been classified according to the following anatomical areas:

Upper arm:
Injuries to this area include contusions or bruising of the biceps or triceps where repetitive injury of this nature at the same injury site can lead to certain complications such as myositis ossificans where the intramuscular bruising can harden and actually form small shards of bone like substances that may need to be removed surgically. We also encounter ruptures of the bicep muscle, which is tearing of the muscle.

Elbow:
Injuries to this area include contusions of the elbow joint, bursitis of the elbow, strains and sprains of the elbow, dislocation of the elbow and fractures of the elbow.

Forearm and wrist:
Injuries to this area include contusions to the forearm, forearm fractures, sprains and strains of the wrist, nerve compression in the wrist, dislocation of the wrist and fractures of the wrist.

Hand:
Injuries to this area include contusions and pressure injuries to the hand, sprains, dislocations and fractures of the hand as well as the phalanges (fingers) of the hand.

Fractures of the finger are particularly common. This injury occurs when one of the bones of the finger is fractured due to an external crushing, twisting force or direct trauma. Symptoms include pain, swelling and bruising. Participation is usually not affected too seriously. It is very common to apply a splint that provides protection and immobilisation. In certain instances surgery may be required. – (Conrad Booysen, Biokineticist)

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