1. Fracture of Radius, Ulna, and Humerus
Elizabeth Travis
Michael Snyder
AH 322

2. Causes of Radius and Ulna Fractures
Falling on outstretched arm
Direct blow
Mountain biking
Skateboarding
Trauma
Automobile accidents
Child abuse

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

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

5. Types Cont. Closed or simple fracture Open or compound fracture
The bone is broken, but the skin is not lacerated.
Open or compound fracture
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.

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

7. Types Cont.

11. 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

12. Treatment External fixation methods Internal fixation methods
plaster and fiberglass casts
cast-braces
splints
Internal fixation methods
metal plates
Pins
screws

13. VOLAR
ELBOW

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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

19. References
Huang, Enoch MD, MPH, Grims, Peter MD “Forearm Fractures”
Baniukiewied, Andrew P. MD, DiSandro, Daniel MD “Broken Arm”

20. 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?