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Arm Fracture

What to know about Arm Fracture, including assessment, treatment and when to seek urgent help.

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Fracture Treatment

About

Anatomy: The Forearm Bones

Our arms comprise two long bones, the radius and the ulna. They run parallel to each other, extending from the elbow at the top down to the wrist. The radius is on the thumb side, while the ulna is on the pinky side. These two bones allow us to rotate our forearm, like when turning a door handle or screwing in a light bulb.

Diagnosis

Mechanism of Injury: How Forearm Fractures Occur

Types of Fractures: Different Ways the Forearm Bones Can Break

There are several types of forearm fractures, including:

  1. Ulna Fracture: Only the ulna is broken.
  2. Radius Fracture: Only the radius is broken.
  3. Both-Bone Forearm Fracture: Both the radius and ulna are broken.
  4. Monteggia Fracture: A ulna fracture with dislocation of the radial head at the elbow.
  5. Galeazzi Fracture: A radius fracture with ulna dislocation at the wrist.

Symptoms and Signs of Fracture: Knowing When Something is Wrong

The symptoms of a forearm fracture can include:

  • Pain and swelling in the forearm
  • Difficulty moving the wrist or elbow
  • A visible deformity or change in the shape of the forearm
  • Bruising or discolouration of the skin

Treatment

Examination and X-Ray: Getting a Closer Look

Management: Treating the Fracture

There are various ways to manage forearm fractures, depending on the fracture type and severity. Options include:

  • Closed reduction: The healthcare provider manipulates the broken pieces back into alignment without making an incision
  • Casting: A synthetic cast is applied to hold the bones in place while they heal.
  • Open reduction: A surgical procedure in which an incision is made to access the fracture site, and the broken pieces are realigned.
  • Internal fixation: Using plates and screws to hold the bones together, usually combined with open reduction.

Complications: Potential Risks and Issues

Despite proper treatment, some complications can arise from forearm fractures. These include:

  • Compartment syndrome: Increased pressure within the arm’s compartments can lead to decreased blood flow, potentially causing nerve damage and muscle death.
  • Infection: More common in open fractures, where the skin is broken, or after surgery.
  • Nonunion or malunion: The broken pieces of bone fail to heal or heal in an improper alignment.
  • Stiffness: Limited motion in the wrist and elbow after the fracture heals.

Next Steps

How Urgent Care Brisbane Can Help

  1. Initial assessment: A healthcare provider will examine your arm and assess the severity of the fracture.
  2. On-site radiology: X-rays will be taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and extent of the fracture.
  3. Closed reduction: If appropriate, the healthcare provider will realign the broken pieces without surgery.
  4. Casting: A synthetic cast is applied to hold the bones in place while they heal.
  5. Follow-up: You’ll be scheduled for follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure the fracture is healing correctly.