Your Orthopaedic Connection: Forearm Fractures in Children

Forearm Fractures in Children

Children love to run, hop, skip, jump and tumble. But if they fall onto an outstretched arm, they could break one or both of the bones in the forearm.

Forearm fractures account for 40 to 50 percent of all childhood fractures. Fractures can occur near the wrist at the farthest (distal) end of the bone, in the middle of the forearm, or near the elbow at the top (proximal) end of the bone.

Fracture Types

This child's forearm fracture has resulted in a bent appearance of the forearm. It will require a manipulation to restore normal alignment prior to placement in a cast.

(Courtesy of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children)

The bones of the forearm are the radius and the ulna. If you hold your arm naturally by your side, the ulna is the bone closer to you and the radius is farther away. About three out of four forearm fractures in children involve the wrist-end of the radius. A child's bones begin to heal much more quickly than an adult's bones. If you suspect a fracture, you should obtain prompt medical attention for the child so that the bones can be set for proper healing.

Types of fractures include:

Torus fracture: Also called a "buckle" fracture. The topmost layer of bone on one side of the bone is compressed, causing the other side to bend away from the growth plate. This is a stable, nondisplaced fracture.
Metaphyseal fracture: The fracture is across the upper or lower portion of the shaft of the bone and does not affect the growth plate.
Greenstick fracture: The fracture extends through a portion of the bone, causing it to bend on the other side.
Galeazzi fracture: The injury affects both bones of the forearm. There is usually a displaced fracture in the radius and a dislocation of the ulna bone at the wrist, where the radius and ulna come together.
Monteggia fracture: The injury affects both bones of the forearm. There is usually a fracture in the ulna and the top (head) of the radius is dislocated. This is a very severe injury and requires urgent care.
Growth plate fracture: Also called a physeal fracture, this fracture occurs at or across the growth plate. Usually these fractures affect the growth plate of the radius near the wrist.

The hand, wrist, arm, and elbow can all be injured during a fall on an outstretched arm. To determine exactly what injuries occurred, the doctor will probably want to see X-rays of the elbow and wrist as well as the forearm. The doctor will also test to make sure that the nerves and circulation in the hand and fingers are not affected.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of a forearm fracture include:

Any type of deformity about the elbow, forearm, or wrist
Acute pain
Tenderness
Swelling
An inability to rotate or turn the forearm

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Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of fracture and the degree of displacement.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Some may simply need the support of a splint or cast until they heal. If the bones do not break through the skin, the physician may be able to push (manipulate) them into proper alignment without surgery.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery to align the bones and secure them in place may be required if:

The skin is broken.
The fracture is unstable.
Bone segments have been displaced.
The bones cannot be aligned properly through manipulation alone.
The bones have already begun to heal at an angle or in an improper position.

After the bones are aligned, the physician may use pins, metal implants, or a cast to hold them in place until they have healed.

A stable fracture, such as a buckle fracture, may require three to four weeks in a cast. A more serious injury, such as a Monteggia fracture-dislocation, may need to be immobilized for six to ten weeks.

If the fracture disrupts the growth plate at the end of the bone, the physician will probably want to watch it carefully for several years to ensure that growth proceeds normally.

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Last reviewed and updated: October 2007

Reviewed by members of POSNA (Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America)

AAOS does not review or endorse accuracy or effectiveness of materials, treatments or physicians.