Navigate the recovery process with Meri Sehat's expert tips for a broken arm. Learn how to heal and regain strength effectively.

Broken Arm

A. JABBAR DENTAL CLINIC KARACHI

Sadia Khan

Overview

A broken arm, or arm <a href="http://https://merisehat.pk/disease/fracture">fracture</a>, is a crack or break in one or more bones in the arm that disrupts the normal structure of the arm. 
&nbsp;

The arm comprises three main bones &ndash; the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius (forearm bone), and the ulna (forearm bone). At the top, the humerus joins the scapula or shoulder blade to form the shoulder joint, whereas at the bottom, it joins the radius and ulna to form the elbow joint.

A broken arm is a common injury, especially among active individuals. It may affect athletes on the field or kids playing on the playground. In particular, shaft injuries may present in very small children who are physically abused, like being hit or thrown around, while proximal fractures and shoulder dislocations may occur in young adults.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>

In adults, arm fractures account for approximately 50% of all broken bones. In children, forearm fractures are the second most common injury.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a> 
&nbsp;

These include:<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Displaced &ndash; The ends of the broken bone separated</li>
	<li>Comminuted &ndash; The bone is broken or cracked into several pieces</li>
	<li>Open (Compound) &ndash; The broken bone went through the skin</li>
	<li>Closed (Simple) &ndash; The bone is broken but the skin is intact</li>
	<li>Greenstick &ndash; The bone cracks but doesn&rsquo;t break all the way</li>
	<li>Buckle (Torus) &ndash; The bone is compressed from one side, causing the other side to bend or buckle 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

It may also be categorized according to the location of the injury:

<ul>
	<li>Forearm fractures</li>
	<li>Humerus fractures</li>
</ul>

Breaking one or both of the forearm bones is a more frequent complaint than breaking the upper arm bone. Also, 60% of the total injuries to the upper arm result in a proximal humerus fracture or break at the top of the upper arm.

A distal fracture, a condylar fracture, or an intercondylar fracture &ndash; a break at the elbow &ndash; is the next most common fracture of the arm. The least common injury is a shaft fracture, which occurs somewhere around the middle of the arm.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a> 
&nbsp;

Sign and Symptoms

A broken arm may be characterized by:

<ul>
	<li>Pain, tenderness, and bruises at the affected site</li>
	<li>Difficulty moving or turning the arm</li>
	<li>Swelling or obvious deformity at the affected site</li>
	<li>Numbness or tingling</li>
	<li>A grinding or snapping sound at the time of injury</li>
</ul>

A broken arm may cause the individual to sweat, feel dizzy, or faint. There may be bleeding too if the broken bone damages the skin 
&nbsp;

Causes

The most common causes of a broken arm are:

<ul>
	<li>Sports injuries, like a direct blow to areas susceptible to breakage</li>
	<li>Severe trauma, like a car accident</li>
	<li>Falls, like trying to break the fall and falling onto the outstretched hand</li>
	<li>Pathological, like a bone tumor</li>
	<li>Overuse or stress 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Diagnosis

A thorough history and physical examination can help the doctor assess the overall health and typical symptoms of a broken arm. They may also inquire about the patient&rsquo;s medical history and how the injury occurred to determine the kind of damage.

Further, they may order imaging scans, like an X-ray, a CT scan, an MRI, or a bone scan, to diagnose the exact location and degree of the break. 
&nbsp;

Treatment

A broken arm doesn&#39;t always involve a complete separation of the bones; it can range from a hairline crack to a complete break, influencing the severity of the injury. 
&nbsp;

The four steps of a typical treatment plan are:<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Setting The Bone &ndash; The alignment of the broken bone is corrected so they grow back together</li>
	<li>Immobilization &ndash; The broken arm is kept in a splint, a cast, brace, or a sling to promote movement without further damage</li>
	<li>Medication &ndash; Certain OTCs or prescription pain relievers can help reduce inflammation and pain. Antibiotics are often recommended in the case of an open wound to prevent infection.</li>
	<li>Therapy &ndash; Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to promote muscle strength and flexibility.</li>
</ul>

Sometimes, surgical intervention is necessary to realign and stabilize the broken bone, using plates or rods to keep the bones in position during the healing process. 
&nbsp;

Although full healing and recovery take time, new bones develop within a few weeks of the injury, especially in children, and individual patients can resume their normal activities easily.

However, it usually depends on how well the injury is treated. Sometimes, a broken arm can lead to a serious bone infection, uneven growth, arthritis, limited range of motion, compartment syndrome, and nerve or blood vessel injury. Overall, it decreases productivity and impairs the quality of life. 
&nbsp;

According to a study, people who avoid meat or are vegans are at greater risk of breaking their bones. However, more research is needed to validate it.<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>

Other risk factors include:

<ul>
	<li>Age and individual health, particularly older women and those who have chronic diseases such as osteoporosis or diabetes</li>
	<li>Active lifestyle and certain sports, like skateboarding, cycling, or skiing</li>
	<li>Environmental issues that cause tripping, like a wet floor 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

It is not possible to prevent an accident. However, the following steps can help protect against a broken arm:

<ul>
	<li>Exercises that improve posture and balance and also strengthen bones</li>
	<li>A healthy diet, which includes vitamin D (e.g., salmon and orange juice) and calcium (e.g., yogurt and milk)</li>
	<li>Protective gear, such as wrist guards, car seat belts, and proper shoes</li>
	<li>Environment changes, such as installing handrails on the stairs, keeping the place well-lit, and removing area rugs</li>
	<li>Lifestyle changes, such as not smoking 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>A broken arm is a crack or break in one or more bones in the arm.</li>
	<li>Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected limb.</li>
	<li>Multiple factors, like sports injuries, severe trauma, underlying chronic conditions, and overuse or stress of the arm, may be responsible for arm fractures.</li>
	<li>Treatment for a broken arm typically involves immobilizing the affected area through casting, splinting, or surgical interventions to allow for proper healing.</li>
	<li>It is possible to prevent a fracture by eating a healthy diet, wearing protective gear, and not smoking.</li>
</ul>