About this topic
There are two bones in the lower arm between the elbow and the wrist. These bones are the radius and the ulna. A break in the radius bone is a radius or radial fracture. The radius is the most often broken arm bone. There are a few types of breaks that can happen in the radius: ‚
- The broken bones are lined up like they should be and stay in place. This is a nondisplaced or stable fracture.
- The broken bones are apart and do not line up like they should. This is a displaced fracture. This type often needs surgery.
- The bone is broken straight across. This is a transverse fracture.
- The bone is broken at an angle. This is an oblique fracture.
- This break happens when the bone is twisted. This is a spiral fracture.
- The broken bone is broken into 3 or more pieces. This is called a comminuted fracture.
- The broken bone is poking through the skin. This is an open fracture.
- The broken bone does not go through the skin This is a closed fracture.
- A break of the distal radius happens in children when the soft bone bends and only the outer part cracks but does not break all the way. This is called a Greenstick fracture.
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What are the causes?
You may have a direct blow to the lower arm from a car crash or fall. Other times, this injury is caused by twisting the lower arm. Some breaks are caused by sports injuries. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
A broken radius is more likely to happen if you play contact sports. It is also more likely if you do sports like skiing or snowboarding. If you have weak bones or have a bone disease, you are more likely to have a wrist problem. People who are older or are female are more likely to have a broken radius. Being around violence also increases your chances. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Pain in the lower arm, wrist, or elbow
- A lump under the skin or a bone poking out of the skin
- Bruising or swelling
- Trouble bending or straightening the elbow or wrist
- Sore to touch
- Numbness or tingling in the lower arm, wrist, or elbow
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor may be able to tell that you have a broken bone just by looking at your arm. Your doctor will feel around your elbow, lower arm, and wrist. Your doctor may have you try to move the elbow, forearm, wrist, and fingers to check your motion. Your doctor may also check for numbness and feel your pulse in your wrist to see if there is an injury to a nerve or blood vessel. ‚
Your doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The treatment will depend on how serious the break is and what part of the radius is broken. ‚
- Lining up the bones
- The doctor may do this by hand. This is called a reduction.
- Surgery may be needed. This may include the use of plates, pins, and screws.
- Rest
- Ice
- Cast, splint, or sling
- Keeping the arm raised on pillows
- Crutches or walker to take the pressure off your injured leg
- Exercises
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Injury to nerves, tendons, or blood vessels
- Ongoing pain and stiffness
- Swelling cuts off blood supply to the forearm and hand. This is acute compartment syndrome.
- Blood clots
- Poor bone healing
- Less movement of the wrist and hand
- Arthritis
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Eat a healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones healthy.
- Wear the right equipment when playing sports.
- Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00584 ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00412 ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00073 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚