Forearm fracture

A Forearm fracture is one of the most common bone fractures and accounts for about every fifth bone fracture treated in Germany. But due to its frequency, the treatment methods are now very mature and routine.

What is a forearm fracture?

A Forearm fracture occurs when one of the two forearm bones, i.e. either the ulna or the radius (radius), is severed by external influences. If necessary, both forearm bones can break at the same time. The ulna, which is located on the side of the little finger, breaks far more frequently because, in contrast to its counterpart on the thumb side, it is much more unstable.

Both ulna and radius belong to the tubular bones. This means that they are traversed by a continuous medullary cavity, which is filled with bone marrow. In medicine, a forearm fracture is known as a distal radius or ulna fracture.

causes

In most cases the cause is for one Forearm fracture a fall in which the person concerned tries to cushion himself on the outstretched hand and thus also on the forearm and in this way shifts a large part of his or her own body weight onto the narrow forearm bones.

These can then no longer withstand the massive and sudden pressure and simply give in. A large number of interruptions occur during the exercise of sporting activities that often involve falls, such as football or cycling.

In addition, people with serious bone diseases, such as bone loss (osteoporosis), are more prone to fractures and thus to a forearm fracture.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

A fracture of the forearm is associated with symptoms that are clear and typical. A fracture is always associated with severe pain, which can not only be heard directly at the break. In particularly bad cases, this severe pain can spread throughout the body. In many cases, there is also a strong swelling, which can be seen directly on the invoice.

Of course, with an existing fracture, the entire sequence of movements is considerably disturbed. Even small movements of the forearm cause severe pain. Even at rest, this pain persists. If there is an open fracture, the fracture can be seen with the naked eye.

Often there is an audible crunch of the bones. If you leave such a fracture without any treatment by a doctor, you run a great risk. The fracture can grow together incorrectly, causing permanent damage. However, if you decide to seek medical treatment, the symptoms will improve quickly and within a very short time.

A fracture of the forearm is usually always associated with clear symptoms, which can often be diagnosed by the person concerned. A visit to the doctor is essential in order to improve the symptoms.

Diagnosis & course

Diagnosing one Forearm hernia is usually found quickly and can sometimes be posed by the person concerned, since in most cases the broken bone becomes clearly visible in the form of a large, mostly strongly swollen bulge in the area of ​​the forearm.

In addition, there is a misalignment of the wrist, which is connected to the bones of the forearm via the carpal bones. Nevertheless, an X-ray of the affected forearm and wrist is essential, on the one hand to accurately assess the severity and on the other hand to pinpoint the exact location of the fracture and to confirm that it is present at all.

A forearm fracture usually causes severe pain and severely restricts the motor skills of the forearm and hand. E.g. the rotation of the forearm and the bending and stretching of the hand are hardly possible.

Complications

A fracture of the forearm is of course also associated with complications that can occur later in the healing process. In general, a fracture of the forearm should definitely be treated by a doctor. A forearm fracture is usually treated surgically first. Even during such an operation, complications can arise when straightening the broken bone.

In certain cases, the fracture must be fixed with a metal plate or several screws so that the fracture can slowly and firmly grow together. Normally, a forearm fracture is reinforced with a cast as the healing process continues. Such a plaster of paris is used for stabilization, so that the broken bone remains optimally protected from possible loads.

However, if you put pressure on your arm during the healing process, you must expect a delayed or longer healing time. Under certain circumstances, the newly fused bone can break again, so that the healing process begins all over again. A permanent rest helps to avoid possible complications.

If unexplained and long-lasting pain occurs, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. In this way, serious complications can be avoided or identified and treated at an early stage.

When should you go to the doctor?

In the event of a broken forearm, a doctor must be consulted promptly. If you experience severe pain, swelling, and inability to move around your forearm after an accident or fall, it may be due to a fracture. Immediately after the injury, the affected area should be cooled. An emergency doctor must be informed of the course of the accident so that appropriate treatment can be initiated immediately. If left untreated, the fracture may worsen and cause further discomfort. In general, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible after a break.

The doctor can clarify the fracture through an examination and, if necessary, consult a suitable specialist. If a forearm fracture that has already been treated continues to cause pain or other symptoms, the doctor must be informed. Medical advice is also required in the event of bleeding or swelling. A forearm fracture is treated in the hospital. The family doctor or an orthopedic surgeon can make the first diagnosis. People with repeated forearm fractures should go to a specialist clinic for examination. You may have osteoporosis or some other bone disease that needs treatment.

Treatment & Therapy

in case of an Forearm hernia surgery is usually unavoidable. In addition, the location of the fracture determines both the form of treatment and the duration of regeneration. If there is a fracture near the shaft, i.e. at the transition from forearm to elbow and upper arm, the bone must first be straightened (reduced), i.e. returned to its natural position.

Then the bone is fixed with the help of screws and plates, which are mostly made of titanium or surgical steel. This form of treatment eliminates the need to wear a plaster cast afterwards and only requires a protective splint. In the case of fractures near the wrist, on the other hand, the bone is often only straightened and then immobilized with a plaster cast for some time so that it can grow back together.

It is not uncommon for a forearm fracture to result in accompanying fractures of other parts of the arm, such as the joints and ligaments. These must then be supplied separately.

To counteract a broken forearm, it is advisable to avoid sports that often involve falls. Unlike other bones, the ulna and radius cannot be protected from impacts and injuries with various protectors.

prevention

A Forearm fracture happened quickly, but fortunately also heals quickly, as the diagnosis can be made quickly and the treatment methods are very efficient. This means that you can start doing sports again a short time after the accident - which usually happens during sports.

Aftercare

Follow-up treatment of the forearm hernia is advisable after both conservative and surgical therapy. Because the tough titanium screws can tear out of the bone, a plaster of paris is applied to immobilize the operated arm. The special dressing material hardens after just a few minutes and provides a solid framework around the bone so that it can heal undisturbed.

It usually takes about six weeks to complete the osteosynthesis. In most cases, the fingers can be moved freely despite the plaster cast, which means that the restriction is less. Immediately after the operation, it is recommended to stay in the hospital for two more days because postoperative pain is possible.

After about ten to fourteen days, the doctor removes the surgical threads again. While the patient is still in the clinic, thrombosis prophylaxis is carried out. After you leave the hospital, it is usually no longer necessary. To treat the pain, the person affected receives pain reliever and decongestant drugs.

In order to control the healing process of the affected forearm, a clinical examination is carried out and X-rays are taken. Physiotherapeutic or occupational therapy treatments are helpful to restore the mobility of the forearm. This is especially true after a long period of immobilization of the arm in the cast. The muscles and joints can be gently mobilized again with simple exercises.

You can do that yourself

A forearm fracture usually heals quickly, provided it is treated early and the patient complies with the doctor's instructions. Rest and relaxation contribute to recovery.

After the fracture has healed, you can slowly start exercising again. Sufferers can use physical therapy or other measures to accelerate muscle healing. A fracture can also be treated with massages or heat and cold therapies. Warm and cold compresses in particular are considered effective remedies for fractures. In consultation with the doctor, acupressure or acupuncture are also possible. A broken forearm allows continued exercise. However, the affected arm must not be exerted too much. An adapted diet supplies the body with the necessary minerals and other substances that are essential for the rapid healing of a fracture.

If the forearm fracture continues to cause pain, the doctor must be informed. The nerves may have been damaged or the fracture may not have healed properly. In any case, medical advice is required. If there are any additional complaints, a visit to a specialist clinic may also be advisable.