Fracture Of The Arm, Radius - Treatment And Recovery

Radial fracture is a common injury that should be treated with extreme seriousness. A fracture of this bone is the most common injury to the bones of the forearm. Typically, such a fracture occurs when a person falls on an outstretched arm.

Symptoms and types

If there is a fracture of the arm, the radius of which is injured, the symptomatology is always pronounced. Violation of the integrity of the bone is manifested by acute pain that seizes the entire arm, the formation of significant bruising and profuse bruising. Severe tissue edema forms within a few hours after the bone is broken. Limb mobility is limited and associated with severe pain. Bayonet-like or fork-like deformation, which is characteristic of trauma, is also observed.

The most common fracture of the radius is damage to the distal epimetaphysis. The injury is considered classic and uncomplicated.

In the event that a fracture of the distal epimetaphysis of the ulna joins the damage to the radius, the injury is classified as complicated. Treatment is more difficult and may require surgery.

When a bone is split into several fragments, we are talking about a comminuted fracture.

Diagnostic methods and first aid to the victim

A hand fracture, the radius of which is damaged, is diagnosed in a hospital or trauma center using an X-ray examination. Usually it is carried out with respect to both hands, as this allows you to accurately determine the extent of the injury.

After a fracture of the radius, the victim is given first aid. The injured limb is fixed with a bandage or splint, cold is applied to the injury site and the victim is taken to a medical facility.

Treatment and risk of complications

Conservative therapy after a fracture of the radius is reduced to the imposition of a plaster cast. In case of severe swelling, a splint is first applied, and after it subsides, a plaster cast is applied. In the presence of splinter injuries, the splinters can be connected without incision using closed reduction.

The main complications of a fracture that has not been properly treated are dysfunction of the arm and deformation of the bone due to improper fusion.

Surgical treatment of trauma

Surgical intervention is performed for complex fractures, when open fusion of fragments is required. Open reduction is performed under general anesthesia. If the bonded fragments can be fixed with plaster, no special bonding of the bones is required.

Osteosynthesis is the connection of fragments using special medical plates that are installed directly on the bone. External fixation devices can also be used, in which the needles are installed in the bone and fixed outside the arm using a special frame. Such a device is used for a particularly complex injury. All complex connections are made to the patient under general anesthesia. After bone fusion, all fasteners are removed (also under anesthesia).

How to behave while there is a cast

After the fracture occurs, the pain persists for several days. Its intensity depends on the individual characteristics of the victim's body. Since cold cannot be applied through a cast, over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen and their combination are recommended. In case of especially severe pain, the doctor prescribes prescription drugs to the victim to relieve it, and, if necessary, even narcotic drugs.

The plaster cast must be kept clean, it must not be wetted, for which a support bandage is used in everyday life and a special plastic sleeve is used when taking a shower. In cases where the plaster cast is slightly wet, it is dried with a hairdryer. In case of strong soaking, a complete replacement of the plaster is needed.

Recovery procedures after removing the plaster cast

Gypsum is removed after complete fusion of the radius, and then restorative therapy is carried out. Most often, a month and a half after a fracture of the radius. When the plaster is removed, the patient is shown the passage of physiotherapy and physiotherapy exercises.

Light physical activity is necessary to develop the affected limb. For this purpose, swimming and exercises for squeezing and unclenching the hand with resistance are recommended. Insufficient mobility of the injured limb is eliminated within 2 to 3 months.

Significant loads on the injured arm can be introduced no earlier than 3 months after the plaster cast is removed. Overload pain in the arm may last up to 18 months after the fracture.

In the event that the patient has any special bone pathologies, rehabilitation therapy is selected individually.