The work of a medical device trading company (dealer): Orthopedics - Upper Limb Cases

Now, I've written several articles about the work of a car dealer.
In this article, I will focus specifically on the field of orthopedics.

This isn't meant to be medically accurate; it's more about how a dealer might imagine a case involving this particular body part as part of their job.

This time, I'd like to write about things that might need to be prepared for surgery on the upper limbs, or the upper body.

clavicle

While many clavicle fracture surgeries involve simple wire fixation, some may require bone grafting with a plate.

For distal injuries, hook plates may be used, while for diaphyseal injuries, plates may be used.
Both often have a distinction between left and right, so caution is needed.

Humerus

Proximal humerus fractures are common in elderly women, and conservative treatment is the primary approach, but intramedullary nailing for proximal humerus fractures may be necessary in some cases.
For the proximal humeral shaft, an intramedullary nail or a proximal humeral plate may be used.

I believe each hospital has its own policy regarding when surgery is indicated, so I don't think you'll be too confused.

肘

The term "elbow" can sometimes refer to the distal humerus, olecranon, and proximal ulna, among other parts.
Fractures in this area can occur in various patterns, and especially when bone fragments are scattered in small pieces, a variety of preparations are often required.

For distal upper arm lesions, a specialized plate or a 3.0/3.5 mm CCS (cannulated cancellass screw) is used.

For olecranon fractures, children can usually be treated with wire fixation, but in elderly patients or others where wire fixation is ineffective, plate fixation may be performed.

In addition, instead of using these plates, combinations of Harvard screws (threaded at both ends), CCS, wires, or external fixation may be used.

If ligament repair is also being performed at the same time, anchors (threads with anchors) of about 2.8mm to 3.5mm may be necessary.

The location of the elbow injury often varies from case to case, depending on the hospital's policy, the doctor's opinion, and the nature of the fracture, and it seems that many precautionary arrangements are often necessary.
The number of items to prepare tends to be large, but this is where you need to put in the effort.

forearm

Specifically, distal radius fractures account for the vast majority of cases.
If you fall and put your hands out to break your fall, the weight will be placed on your wrist and it could break.
In cases of unstable fractures (where the fracture site is displaced) or intra-articular fractures, a plate designed for the distal radius is used.
Because this is a fairly common type of fracture, it is often performed early after the injury, making it a relatively urgent procedure that is frequently requested.

In addition, fractures of the radial and ulnar shafts are also frequently treated with emergency surgery.
In that case, a straight, uncut plate is often used.
For younger patients or those for whom removal of the implants is anticipated, it seems that cortical screws are often used for fixation rather than locking screws.

navicular bone

It's a boat-shaped bone located around the area connecting the wrist to each finger.
This is an area where injuries are often mistaken for sprains, overlooked by the patient, and can develop into pseudoarthrosis.
Because this area has poor blood circulation and is difficult to heal, treatment will involve using Harvard-type screws (screws at both ends) depending on the severity.

It's still fresh in our memories that former Chunichi Dragons player Wada fractured this area after being hit by a pitch.

fingers

Finger fractures are mostly treated with wires, but sometimes mini-screws or plates are used.

However, in recent years, fewer major manufacturers have been lending out finger screws and plates, making it considerably more difficult to lend them to hospitals that have not purchased them.

Sometimes, when performing procedures such as ligament repair on the fingers, we may receive requests for anchors.

summary

Orthopedic cases include areas that follow a fairly standardized pattern and areas that vary from case to case.
I think it's essential to avoid making judgments based on preconceived notions or assumptions, and instead have the ability to carefully ask the doctor what might be necessary.