The forearm is made up of two bones, the radius and the ulna. Its main function is to enable rotation, which allows the palms to turn upward or downward. If there is a fracture in the forearm, it can impact the ability to rotate the arm, as well as bend and straighten the wrist and elbow. A break occurring in the middle of either the radius or the ulna typically requires a lot of force and is most often seen in adults. In most cases, both bones are broken when there is an injury to the forearm.
The bones in the forearm can sustain various types of breaks. They may crack just a little or shatter into multiple fragments. Most forearm fractures occur as a result of car accidents, a direct impact on the forearm, or falling onto an outstretched arm, which can happen during sports, while climbing stairs, or in other similar situations.
Symptoms
The signs of a broken forearm are strong pain in the arm, bruising, and swelling. The affected arm might look bent or shorter than the other arm. You could feel tingling or loss of strength in your fingers and wrist. It might be difficult to move your arm properly. In some cases, the broken bone may break through the skin, or the wound could go deep into the bone.
Diagnosis
Your doctor might start by performing a physical exam and reviewing your medical history. They may carefully check your arm for any signs of pain or swelling. You might also be asked to have an X-ray to check if there are any broken or out-of-place bones.
Treatment
Individuals who suffer from forearm fractures are typically taken to the emergency department right away for medical care. The goal of treating a forearm fracture is to realign the broken bones properly and ensure they remain in place until they have fully healed.
Nonsurgical Treatment
If only one bone in your arm is broken but not out of place, your doctor may use a cast or brace to immobilize it and might also give you a sling to keep your arm in the correct position. Your doctor will keep a close watch on how the broken bone heals. If the bone moves out of place during the healing process, you may need to have surgery to realign and fix the bones properly.
Surgical Treatment
When both bones in the forearm are broken, surgery is typically needed. During the procedure, the area around the injury is cleaned, and the broken pieces of bone are carefully placed back into their correct position. The bones are then secured using screws and metal plates that are attached to the outside of the bone. The surgical incision is then stitched securely, and a sling is given to help support the arm and promote proper healing.
