Overview
A broken arm is a fracture in one or more of the three bones in the arm, which includes the ulna, radius, and humerus. This injury often occurs as a result of falling onto an outstretched hand or elbow. Symptoms of a broken arm include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity such as a bent arm or wrist. Treatment options may vary depending on the severity of the injury, and may include a sling, ice, rest, realignment, or surgery to implant wires, plates, nails, or screws. Prompt medical attention is important for proper healing and to minimize pain and stiffness.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of a broken arm include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity such as a bent arm or wrist. Other possible symptoms include stiffness, bone infection, nerve or blood vessel injury, compartment syndrome, and recurrent burners and stingers. If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek prompt medical attention for proper treatment and healing.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing a broken arm include:
- Participating in certain sports or activities that involve physical contact or a higher risk of falling, such as football, soccer, gymnastics, skiing, and skateboarding.
- Having certain medical conditions or physical abnormalities that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis or bone tumors.
- Engaging in high-risk activities without proper protective gear, such as not wearing wrist guards while in-line skating, snowboarding, rugby, or football.
- Smoking, which can reduce bone mass and hinder the healing of fractures.
Development
Broken arms can develop due to a variety of reasons, such as falls, sports injuries, significant trauma, and child abuse. In children, a broken arm may result from falling onto an outstretched hand or elbow, which is the most common cause. Direct blows and injuries sustained during sports or other physical activities can also cause arm fractures. In some cases, broken arms may develop due to significant trauma, such as car accidents or bike accidents. In children, a broken arm might be a result of child abuse. Certain medical conditions or physical activities can increase the risk of a broken arm, such as those that weaken the bones or involve physical contact or increased risk of falling.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor right away if a broken arm is suspected. The same applies to a child experiencing a suspected broken arm. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to poor healing, especially in children who heal faster than adults.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a broken arm, a healthcare provider will typically start with a physical examination to check for tenderness, swelling, deformity, or open wounds. They will also discuss how the injury occurred and any symptoms experienced. Depending on the severity of the break, your doctor may order X-rays to determine the location and extent of the fracture. Occasionally, they might also use additional imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to get more detailed images.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of a broken arm include uneven growth in children, osteoarthritis, stiffness, bone infection, nerve or blood vessel injury, compartment syndrome, and delayed healing. Prompt medical attention and proper treatment are essential to minimize the risk of these complications.
Home Remedies
It is important to seek prompt medical attention for a broken arm to ensure proper treatment and healing.
Treatment
Treatment for a broken arm depends on the site and severity of the injury. Some common treatments include:
- Immobilization: A simple fracture might be treated with a sling to immobilize the arm and promote healing. This helps reduce movement and alleviate pain.
- Reduction: In the emergency room, healthcare providers may perform reduction, which involves manually repositioning the bone fragments to their proper alignment. This helps restore the normal anatomy of the bone and promotes healing.
- Surgery: More complicated fractures may require surgery to realign the bone and stabilize the broken fragments using devices such as plates, screws, wires, or nails. Surgery may also be necessary if there is significant soft tissue damage, nerve or blood vessel injury, or if the fracture is not adequately reduced with immobilization alone. It's important to seek prompt medical attention for a suspected broken arm to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Please note that the above information is provided as a general guideline and not as specific medical advice. Always consult a medical professional for personalized guidance.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for a broken arm, make a list that includes:
- Details about your or your child's symptoms and the incident that caused the injury
- Information about any past medical problems
- All medications and dietary supplements you or your child take, including doses
- Questions to ask the doctor, such as:
- What tests are needed?
- What is the best course of action?
- Is surgery necessary?
- What restrictions will need to be followed?
- Do you recommend seeing a specialist?
- What pain medications do you recommend? Consider bringing a family member or friend along for support, and don't hesitate to ask any additional questions during the appointment.