A forearm fracture is a break in one or both bones of the forearm.
The forearm consists of 2 bones:
- Radius—the smaller of the 2 bones, runs along the thumb side of the arm
- Ulna—the larger of the 2 bones, runs along the little finger side of the arm
|Forearm Fracture with Swelling|
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Forearm fracture is more common in older adults.
Factors that may increase the risk of forearm fracture include:
- Certain diseases or conditions that result in bone or mineral loss, such as abnormal or absent menstrual cycles, or post- menopause
- Certain diseases and conditions that weaken bones, such as tumors or cysts
- Poor nutrition
- Certain congenital bone conditions
- Decreased muscle mass
- Participating in contact sports
Proper treatment can prevent long-term complications or problems with the forearm. Treatment will depend on how serious the fracture is, but may include:
Extra support may be needed to protect, support, and keep the forearm in line while it heals. Supportive steps may include a splint, brace, or cast. A sling may be necessary to help stabilize the arm.
Some fractures cause pieces of bone to separate. The doctor will put these pieces back into their proper place. This may be done:
- Without surgery—anesthesia will decrease pain while the doctor moves the pieces back into place
- With surgery—pins, screws, plates, or wires may be needed to reconnect the pieces and hold them in place
Children’s bones are still growing at an area of the bone called the growth plate. If the fracture affected the growth plate, a specialist may be needed. Injuries to the growth plate will need to be monitored to make sure the bone can continue to grow as expected.
Prescription or over-the-counter pain medication may be needed to relieve discomfort and swelling.
Physical therapy or rehabilitation may be needed to improve range-of-motion and strengthen the forearm.
To help reduce your chance of a forearm fracture, take these steps:
- Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the bone.
- Always wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in a car.
- Do weight-bearing and strengthening exercises regularly to build strong bones.
- Wear proper padding and safety equipment when participating in sports or activities.
To help reduce falling hazards at work and home, take these steps:
- Clean spills and slippery areas right away.
- Remove tripping hazards such as loose cords, rugs, and clutter.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.
- Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower or tub.
- Put in handrails on both sides of stairways.
- Walk only in well-lit rooms, stairs, and halls.
- Keep flashlights on hand in case of a power outage.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Broken Arm; Radial Fracture; Ulnar Fracture)
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.orthoinfo.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org
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Preventing falls and related fractures. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Bone/Osteoporosis/Fracture/prevent%5Ffalls.asp. Updated April 2015. Accessed August 30, 2017.
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