Fracture of Radius, Ulna, and Humerus

Elizabeth Travis Michael Snyder AH 322 10-22-03

Causes of Radius and Ulna Fractures

Falling on outstretched arm Direct blow Mountain biking Skateboarding Trauma Automobile accidents Child abuse

Types of Fractures

Nightstick fracture

Defined as an isolated midshaft ulnar fracture Defined as a fracture of the ulna (usually proximal one third) with dislocation of the radial head. Defined as a fracture of the distal one third of the radius with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ).

Monteggia fracture

Galeazzi fracture

Types Cont.

It is also known as a reverse Monteggia fracture. This is defined as a fracture of the radial head and dislocation of DRUJ, with partial or complete disruption of radioulnar interosseous membrane.

Essex-Lopresti fracture

Types Cont.
Closed or simple fracture

The bone is broken, but the skin is not lacerated. The skin may be pierced by the bone or by a blow that breaks the skin at the time of the fracture The bone may or may not be visible in the wound.

Open or compound fracture

Types Cont.
Transverse fracture

The fracture is at right angles to the long axis of the bone. Fracture on one side of the bone, causing a bend on the other side of the bone. A fracture that results in three or more bone fragments.

Greenstick fracture

Comminuted fracture

Types Cont.

Signs and Symptoms

Most of the time you will know if you have

a broken arm Snap or cracking sound Area will be tender and swollen Obvious deformity Decreased sensation or inability to move the limb, which may indicate nerve damage

Treatment
External fixation methods

plaster and fiberglass casts cast-braces splints metal plates Pins screws

Internal fixation methods

VOLAR

ELBOW

Treatment Cont
Keep your splint or cast clean and dry If possible, apply ice 2-3 times a day Keep your arm elevated above the heart

as much as possible to decrease swelling Take pain medicine as prescribed

Prognosis
Earlier treatment usually improves results Fractures in younger children and

adolescents tend to heal better Fractures that have multiple breaks, involve a joint, have open wounds, or become infected could have healing complications.

Prognosis Cont
Older adults have increased chance of

losing some ability or movement in the broken arm. Chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and diabetes may slow the healing process.

Prevention
Wear appropriate personal safety

equipment as protection. Wear car seat belts Use wrist guards for in-line skating and skateboarding Wear appropriate pads for contact sports Prevent and treat osteoporosis

References
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cf

m?Thread_ID=326&topcategory=Arm Huang, Enoch MD, MPH, Grims, Peter MD Forearm Fractures Baniukiewied, Andrew P. MD, DiSandro, Daniel MD Broken Arm

Questions
1. What is the difference between a closed

fracture and an open fracture? 2. What are some external fixation methods? 3. What are some external fixation methods? 4. What is a comminuted fracture? 5. Why do we call a greenstick fracture a greenstick fracture?