تعريف
A forearm fracture is a break in one or both bones of the forearm.
The forearm consists of two bones:
- Radius—the smaller of the two bones, runs along the thumb side of your arm
- Ulna—the larger of the two bones, runs along the little finger side of your arm
أسباب
A forearm fracture is caused by trauma to the bone. Trauma includes:
- Fall on an outstretched arm
- Fall directly on the forearm
- Direct blow to the forearm
- Twisting the arm beyond the elbow’s normal range of motion
عوامل الخطر
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition, or injury. Risk factors for a forearm fracture include:
- سن متقدم
- انخفاض كتلة العضلات
- هشاشة العظام
- سوء التغذية
- بعض حالات العظام الخلقية
- المشاركة في الرياضات الاتصالية
- عنف
الأعراض
تشمل الأعراض ما يلي:
- الألم، وغالبًا ما يكون شديدًا
- Tenderness, swelling, and bruising around the injury
- Decreased range of motion
- وجود كتلة أو تشوه واضح فوق موقع الكسر
التشخيص
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, your physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The doctor will examine the injured area.
قد تشمل الاختبارات ما يلي:
- X-rays—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones. It is used to look for a break in the forearm area.
- CT scan—a type of x-ray that uses computers to make pictures of structures inside the arm. It is used to look at the cartilage and tendons around the forearm. In complex fractures of both bones, it may be used to help reconstruct the bones.
العلاج
يعتمد العلاج على شدة الإصابة. يشمل العلاج:
- Putting the pieces of the bone back in place, which may require anesthesia and/or surgery
- الحفاظ على القطع معًا بينما يشفي العظم نفسه
تشمل الأجهزة التي يمكن استخدامها لتثبيت العظام في مكانها أثناء الشفاء ما يلي:
- A cast or splint (may be used with or without surgery)
- صفيحة معدنية بها براغي (تتطلب عملية جراحية)
- المسامير وحدها (تتطلب عملية جراحية)
The doctor may prescribe pain medication depending on the level of pain. Your doctor will order more x-rays while the bone heals to ensure that the bones have not shifted position.
تمارين
When your doctor decides you are ready, start range-of-motion and strengtheningexercises. Attention will be directed to the fingers and the shoulder so that you maintain motion in these critical joints. You will be referred to a physical therapist to assist you with these exercises. Do not return to sports until the fracture is healed and you have regained normal muscle strength and arm mobility.
وقت الشفاء
It takes about 8-10 weeks for a fractured forearm to heal. If the fracture has an open wound over it, the healing time will be longer.
If you are diagnosed with a forearm fracture, follow your doctor’s instructions.
الوقاية
To help prevent forearm fractures:
- Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the arms.
- اتباع نظام غذائي غني بالكالسيوم وفيتامين د.
- Do weight-bearing exercises to build strong bones.
- Build strong muscles to prevent falls and protect the forearm.
- ارتداء الحشو المناسب ومعدات السلامة عند المشاركة في الألعاب الرياضية أو الأنشطة.