FRACTURES OF THE RADIUS & ULNA

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RADIUS AND ULNA  The radius and ulna have an important role in positioning the hand. The ulna has a stabilizing role, while the radius is articulated in a way which allows it to roll over the ulna, moving the hand from supination (external rotation) to pronation (internal rotation).

CLASSIFICATION OF THE FRACTURES  Forearm fractures can be classified as either proximal, middle or distal.  They can affect one or both forearm bones.  They are either open or closed.  Proximal forearm fractures may involve the elbow  Distal forearm fractures may involve the wrist

THE TYPES OF FRACTURES  Wrist fractures (those that occur around the wrist) Wrist fractures is the most common broken bone, there is usually swelling in the area, pain, and deformity of the wrist. A broken wrist can be treated with a cast but if the bones are out of their proper position we reset or reduce the wrist fracture (by setting it in it’s original place), usually anesthesia or light sedation is used while reducing a fracture.

THE TYPES OF FRACTURES  Adult and pediatric both bone fractures: (when both the radius and the ulna are fractured) usually occurs from falling from a height; can be classified as greenstick (an incomplete fracture) which usually occurs in children, or a complete fracture; usually occurring in adults.  One of the most common pediatric fractures

THE TYPES OF FRACTURES  The radial head fracture:  The radial head is shaped like a round disc and is important in motion of the elbow. It moves both in flexion and extension of the elbow joint, as well as rotation of the forearm. Therefore, injury to the radial head can affect all movements of the elbow.  Treatment of radial head fractures depends on the appearance of the fracture on x-ray. Radial head fractures that are not badly displaced can be managed by splinting the elbow for a short period of time.  More significantly displaced radial head fractures may require surgery for stabilization of the fracture.  A radial head fracture is the most common broken elbow bone seen in adults

THE TYPES OF FRACTURES  Ulna shaft fractures:  An isolated ulna fracture most commonly occurs by the forearm being struck by an object (or an the forearm striking an object); otherwise known as a nightstick fracture

THE TYPES OF FRACTURES  Olecranon (funny bone) fractures:  An olecranon fracture is an injury to the most prominent bone of the elbow  Olecranon fractures can occur by either falling directly on the elbow, or by the triceps muscle pulling off a fragment of bone from the elbow. Stress fractures are also a possible mechanism of injury to the ulna

COMPLICATION OF FRACTURES Decreased Motion: Limited motion is common after the treatment of forearm fractures. Non-Healing Fracture: The bones of the forearm can have inadequate healing leading to persistent pain. :Infection Infection can occur after any surgical procedure. When an infection occurs after fixation of a forearm fracture, the metal plate and screws may require removal in order to cure the infection. :(orthopedic appliances) Painful Hardware The metal implants used during surgery may be felt under the skin, and they may be painful. If they do cause discomfort they can be removed, usually at least a year after surgery.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A FRACTURE  Pain at or near the fracture  Tenderness or discomfort when there is pressure applied to the fractured area  Swelling  Loss of power  Deformity or irregularity  Crepitus (bony grating) may be heard or felt  Unnatural movement

FRACTURES IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN  If you are younger, you may only need a cast because Children have a higher capacity to heal and, more importantly, an increased ability to remodel. Their bone grow in line with the forces they experience. Most of the forces on the forearm are axial, or in line with the bones. This gives them the ability to remodel, or "straighten" themselves out as they grow longer.  If you are older, you generally will need surgery. Because usually the patterns of injury are irregular and require surgery. These will not heal by themselves in a cast, because the muscles act as deforming forces at the fracture site. The only way to hold the bones still while they heal is with metal plates, screws or rods.

Presenters: Najla Ewain Raya Asmaa Information: Areen Al-harbi Hala Abu-hmood Esraa Al-ammari Noor Ghada Al-Qahtani Lujain Hanan Ghadeer Alaa Leader: Rawan Farhat