What is a forearm fracture?
The forearm is a complex structure. It consists of two bones (radius and ulna) that run from the elbow to the wrist. There are muscles overlying these bones which are responsible for movement of the elbow, wrist, hand and fingers. There are also joints within the forearm that allow twisting at the wrist – for example, for turning the car keys in an ignition.
When the forearm is fractured, it can be due to a break in either, or both, of the forearm bones – the radius and ulna. The type of treatment required depends on a number of factors, including where the bones are broken, whether they have moved from their original position, and whether they have broken through the skin.
Symptoms
Pain at the site of injury
Swelling
Bruising
Reduced range of motion at the elbow or wrist
Causes
Direct blow to the forearm
Fall on an outstretched arm
Road traffic accidents
Athletic injuries
Twisting injuries can result in fracture of BOTH bones in the forearm
Risk Factors
There are no specific risk factors associated with forearm fractures.
Investigations
An X-ray of the arm will show damage to bones.
CT scans of the forearm may be required for subtle fractures, or for those near the wrist.
Complications
Malunion – this is when the fracture heals in an abnormal way, such that the normal structure of the bone is disrupted. For example, the angle of the forearm may be abnormal.
Non-union – this is when the two ends of a fracture fail to knit together after several months. It results in two separate fragments of bone instead of one united bone.
Damage to nerves – this may result in tingling, numbness, pain or weakness in the forearm or hand.
Damage to blood vessels – arteries supplying the forearm and hand with blood can be damaged with forearm fractures
Compartment syndrome – this is when internal bleeding inside the forearm resulting in increased pressure within the forearm. If not treated with surgery immediately it can cause permanent damage to nerves supplying the wrist and hand.
Treatment
If the broken bone is crooked, your healthcare provider will straighten it.
You will be given some medicine first so the straightening is not too painful.
You may be given a splint for your arm for a few days until the swelling begins to go down.
Then your arm will be put in a cast for 4 to 8 weeks.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines or other pain medicines.
You should elevate your arm on a pillow or the back of a chair as often as possible for the first 2 to 3 days. This will help control pain and swelling. You may place ice packs over the cast for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first 2 to 3 days.
Take care not to get your cast wet if it is a plaster cast.
Some fractures that cannot be straightened, or that are broken into many pieces, may need to have surgery.
Seeking Advice
Your Family Doctor (GP)
Your Family Doctor will be able to diagnose and help treat your problem. He or she will be able to
- tell you about your problem
- advise you of the best treatment methods
- prescribe you medications
- and if necessary, refer you to Specialists (Consultants) for further treatment
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your healthcare provider if: Your pain is getting worse instead of better. You feel that your cast is too tight and you have swelling that doesn’t get better when you elevate your injury.
Prevention
Most forearm fractures are caused by accidents that you cannot easily prevent.
F.A.Q. | Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your healthcare provider if: Your pain is getting worse instead of better. You feel that your cast is too tight and you have swelling that doesn’t get better when you elevate your injury.