Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Overview
Nerves and blood vessels can be compressed in the space between your clavicle (collar bone) and your top rib. This space is called the “thoracic outlet” and the disorders caused by this compression are collectively called thoracic outlet syndrome.
Causes
Many conditions cause tho…
Scaphoid Fracture Surgery (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation, ORIF)
Overview
The scaphoid is one of the carpal bones of your wrist and is critical to coordinate motion of the other carpal bones and the radius bone of the lower arm. A fractured scaphoid requires open reduction and internal fixation surgery (ORIF) to fully and correctly align and heal.
Prep…
Distal Radius Fracture Repair Surgery
Overview
This open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery uses screws and a metal implant to stabilize a fracture in the radius near the wrist. The radius is the larger of the two forearm bones.
Preparation
The patient’s arm is positioned with the palm facing up, for optimal surgical acce…
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Overview
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can be a debilitating condition due to the long-lasting severe pain it causes. Formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), this syndrome often develops from trauma, frequently of a body part that had suffered a previous injury. It usually…
Anatomy of the Hand
Overview
Your hands are versatile and complex, with the ability to do tasks that involve both strength and delicacy. Let’s look at the main structures of your hands to see how they do all the things they do.
Bones and joints
There are twenty-seven bones in each hand. Starting at the wrist, you ha…