![]() In rare cases, one of your bones may not heal (non-union), or there may be another complication like an infection that requires another surgery.Make use of this in-depth nursing care plan and management roadmap to aid in the care of patients with fracture. However, if you are bothered by them, they may need be removed after the bones have healed.įor injuries that involve the radioulnar joints, you may have some stiffness in the elbow or wrist. Often, the metal plates and screws can remain inside your arm forever. If the forearm bones heal with their normal shape, long term function is usually quite good. It is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Your surgeon should give you instructions on how you should move your arm after surgery. However, it is important to move your fingers to prevent stiffness and help reduce swelling. If only one bone is broken and the bone has not moved out of its normal place, your doctor may decide to treat you with just a cast rather than with surgery.Īfter surgery, you may be placed in a splint. Compartment syndrome can occur before, during, or after surgery, and requires emergency treatment. Severe and worsening pain is the most common sign of compartment syndrome, and you should alert your doctor right away if your pain is getting worse. This condition is called compartment syndrome. If the swelling is severe, it can affect the blood flow to your forearm. In rare cases, the muscles in your forearm can swell due to the fracture. If your bone came through the skin at the time of injury, your surgeon will also clean the fracture site to remove any contaminated bone or soft tissue. The radial head was also broken and required a plate and screws. Plates and screws are used to hold the bones in place.įigure 11 X-ray showing a Monteggia fracture treated with a combination of plates and screws. Surgery generally means cuts on the arm to get down to the bones. In younger children, forearm fractures are more commonly treated with a cast, and only occasionally require surgery. It can be very difficult to hold them in position with just a cast or splint. Because they roll and glide over each other and allow you to turn your hand, it is important to restore the bones to their normal shape and position. In adults, fractures of the radius and ulna generally require surgery. You will likely receive a tetanus shot, antibiotics, and surgery to clean the wound. This is called an open (compound) fracture, and requires urgent treatment to prevent infection. Sometimes, the bones may come through the skin. A splint or cast may be placed to hold your arm still and in a better position. When you see the doctor, he or she will get an x-ray to determine where your arm is broken. It may be difficult to move your fingers or wrist. Initial Treatmentįorearm fractures are very painful. The radial head is no longer dislocated, but the break in the ulna can be seen where the red arrow points. Disaster Management and Emergency Preparednessįigure 9: In this x-ray, the bones have been lined up and placed into a splint.OTA Support of Federal Grant Applications.Video Library: Annual Meeting & Conferences.
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