Common upper-extremity injuries

In the daily practice of family medicine, injuries to the upper extremity are frequently encountered. Most of these injuries can be easily treated by the primary care physician who has an understanding of the joint anatomy and treatment principles. Some injuries, however, may appear relatively minor, yet require prompt referral for surgical care. We reviewed the pathoanatomy, historical and physical examination findings, and treatment of the more common injuries to the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.