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 commonly 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 care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest. Allow your injury to heal before you do slow movements.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your arm on pillows to help with swelling.
- If you do not have a cast, lightly wrap your arm with an elastic bandage. This may help lessen swelling.
- If you have a cast, avoid getting it wet. Do not stick anything inside the cast if you itch.
- Do exercise that your doctor or therapist recommends.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctors may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy for treatments and exercises to help you heal faster. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
Your activity level will depend on the type of break and where the break is on your radius. You may only need a cast or splint for a few weeks with a minor break. A more severe break will limit your activities for a longer time. ‚
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.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Hand or fingers turn blue, feel cold, or feel numb or tingling
- More swelling
- Very bad pain
- You have a cast, splint, or brace and it feels too tight
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my fracture.
- I can tell you how I will care for my injured area.
- I can tell you what I will do if my fingers are cold, blue, numb, or have no feeling.
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. ‚