The forearm is comprised of two bones – radius and ulna. In most cases of forearm fractures among adults, the two bones are damaged. Fractures on the forearm can transpire close to the wrist at the distal part of the bone, in the central part of the forearm or close to the elbow at the upper end of the bone.
Adult forearm fractures can occur since the bones can break in various ways. In some cases, the bones can crack slightly or break into several pieces. The broken bone pieces can line up in a straight manner or far out of place. In some circumstances, the bone can break in which the bone fragments pierce out the skin or a wound penetrates deep to the broken bone. Since a strong force is required in order to break the ulna or radius, it is quite common for adults to break both bones during an injury. If only one bone in the forearm is broken, it can be due to a direct blow to the exterior of the arm especially when raised as self-defense.
What are the symptoms?
When it comes to a broken forearm, it usually causes immediate pain. Remember that both bones are involved, thus forearm fractures can often lead to evident deformity in which the forearm appears bent or shorter than the other arm. Other symptoms include bruising, swelling, inability to rotate the affected arm and numbness or weakness in the fingers or wrist.
Treatment
The treatment for forearm fractures involves putting back the broken bone pieces into position and prevent them from moving out of place until fully healed. Since the radius and ulna depend on each other for support, it is vital that they are properly stabilized. In case the bones are not accurately aligned during the healing process, it can result to future issues with the elbow and wrist movement. In most cases of adult forearm fractures, it would require surgery to ensure that the bones are properly stabilized and lined up for optimum healing.
Immediate treatment
When the individual is taken to the emergency room, the doctor will attempt to realign the bones depending on how far the pieces are. This process is called as reduction in which the doctor moves the pieces into place. As for the pain, it is controlled with medications. The doctor will apply a splint on the forearm and provide a sling to position the arm in place.
You can also apply an ice pack to help minimize the swelling along with pain medications to ease the discomfort. If you want to help ease the discomfort experienced by the individual, read here.
In case one bone is broken and not out of place, it can be managed with a brace or cast. The doctor will closely monitor the healing and perform regular X-rays. If the fracture shifts its position, it would require surgery to position the bones back together.
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