Broken Arm

Broken Arm

Article
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
Diseases & Conditions
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHAug 07, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Arm Fracture
  • Fractured Arm
  • Stress Fracture of the Arm

What is Broken Arm? (Definition/Background Information)

  • A Broken Arm (or an Arm Fracture), is a break or crack in any of the three bones of the arm - the humerus, ulna, or radius
  • The majority of all Broken Arm injuries occur to the radius and ulna, with children having the highest incidence rate
  • This injury is usually caused by a high-energy impact that results from an athletic sport, motor vehicle accident, or a fall from a substantial height (with an outstretched arm)

There are several different types of Broken Arm, some of which are categorized based on the injury impact force. The fracture types include:

  • Open fracture: In this type of fracture, the bone breaks and pierces the skin, requiring immediate medical treatment. Apart from this, ligament, muscle, and tendon damage, may also occur
  • Closed fracture: In this type, the bones do not pierce the skin. However, injury to the soft tissues under the skin, may occur
  • Displaced fracture: In this type of fracture, the bone may fragment around the point of breakage and get misaligned; hence, surgery is usually required
  • Comminuted fracture: In a comminuted fracture, the bone is broken into three or more pieces. It is considered one of the most unstable type of fracture
  • Greenstick fracture: A greenstick fracture means that the bone is cracked, but not broken all the way through
  • Buckle (or torus) fracture: A buckle fracture, also known as a torus fracture, occurs when one side of the bone is compressed or buckled, without fracturing the other side

Who gets Broken Arm? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Broken Arm injuries are non-specific injuries, and as such, may occur in individuals of any age, race, ethnic group, and gender
  • Children (especially boys) under the age of 10 years, are observed to have the highest incidence rate of this fracture

What are the Risk Factors for Broken Arm? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with a Broken Arm include:

  • Participation in high-risk contact sports, such as football
  • Falls and accidents

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Broken Arm? (Etiology)

Some of the causes of a Broken Arm include:

  • Direct trauma to the arm associated with an automobile accident
  • Taking part in any rough or high-impact sport
  • Falling from a significant height; especially landing on one’s arm

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Broken Arm?

Signs and symptoms of a Broken Arm include:

  • Severe arm pain at the site, where the injury occurred
  • Signs of bruising, swelling of the arm
  • Tenderness to touch
  • Noticeable deformities, such as a bent arm or wrist

How is Broken Arm Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose a Broken Arm include:

  • Physical examination: A thorough physical examination is important in identifying any noticeable deformities, swelling, contusions, of the arm. Individuals are also expected to provide an explanation of the circumstances that caused the injury. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
  • X-ray: X-rays are the most common method in evaluating a fracture, if the bone has been displaced. This diagnostic test helps provide a clear image of the bone, identify the exact location of the injury, and determine the extent of the fracture
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan takes a series of x-ray images from several different angles. These images are then merged to create cross-sectional images of bones and soft tissues of the arm, which then allows a physician to examine the arm and its surrounding structures

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Broken Arm?

Complications associated with an Arm Fracture include:

  • Abnormal deformity of the arm, if the bone is not aligned properly
  • Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
  • The immobilization required to heal Broken Arms, may occasionally result in painful shoulder inflammation, stiffness, and reduced range of motion (frozen shoulder)
  • Infection of the bone (osteomyelitis)

How is Broken Arm Treated?

The goal of Broken Arm treatment is to realign the bone, encourage rapid recovery, and help the individual to resume regular/daily activities, as early as possible.

The nonsurgical treatment methods include:

  • Complete immobilization of the arm with a splint or cast, may be required to restrict movement
  • Applying ice to the arm can help reduce pain and swelling
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as indomethacin and naproxen, may be used to treat a Broken Arm. These medications can help decrease the pain and swelling
  • Individuals are likely to need physical therapy exercises after the cast is removed. The goals of these exercises are to strengthen the forearm muscles, improve flexibility, and decrease stiffness. It may take several months for an individual to complete the physical therapy program and regain full strength and functionality

Surgical treatment methods include:

  • Closed reduction: Closed reduction is a surgical treatment that involves realigning the bone back to its original position, without making an incision at the fracture site. This procedure is usually performed under a general anesthesia, or by conscious sedation using muscle relaxants
  • Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): Open reduction is a surgical procedure to realign the fractured bone, to its original position. Surgical hardware (such as plates, screws, or rods) is then used to stabilize the fractured bone under the skin

How can Broken Arm be Prevented?

To prevent a Broken Arm, individuals should be careful and consciously aware, while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Children must be provided a safe environment to work, study, or play. Any possible dangers should also be anticipated and appropriate safety measures adopted.

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or a Broken Arm include:

  • Individuals who participate in any high-risk sports, should wear appropriate safety equipment to help prevent the possibility of such fractures
  • Wearing appropriate footwear (such as the proper shoe size) may help prevent accidents
  • Consuming foods rich in calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, help build bone strength. Regular diet with appropriate calcium-intake is recommended, even after Arm Fractures. For women, the recommended amount of calcium, increases with age and menopause
  • Perform weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones

What is the Prognosis of Broken Arm? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • A high percentage of Broken Arm injuries heal without any serious complications
  • A full recovery and a return to sports or normal daily activities usually requires 3-10 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury
  • When properly treated and rehabilitated, usually under the guidance of a physiotherapist/specialist, a high percentage of individuals regain their full strength and range of motion in the injured arm

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Broken Arm:

Forearm fractures are very common injuries that account for roughly half of all fractures, in adults and children.

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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
Approved by

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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