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Broken Arm / Fractures

Most people know right away if they broke their arm due to a snap or loud cracking sound, extreme pain at the site of the injury, pain increased by any movement, and / or loss of normal use of the arm. Arms often break due to a fall on an outstretched arm or major accident such as a car crash. Common fracture points include the wrist, radius (forearm), elbow, and humerous.

Trying to break a fall by putting your hand out in front of you seems almost instinctive, but the force of the fall could travel up your lower forearm bones and dislocate your elbow. It also could break the smaller bone (radius) in the forearm. The breaks can occur at the wrist (Colles fracture), or near the elbow at the radial "head." Children are more likely to break the bones in their lower arm, which are called the radius and ulna. A direct blow to the elbow or fall on a bent elbow can cause it to break. About one in every 20 fractures involves the upper arm bone which is called the humerus.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms after a fall, see your doctor:

• Pain or swelling at the site of the injury (outside of the elbow, wrist, etc)
• Pain increased by any movement of the injured area
• Loss of normal use of the arm.
• Difficulty in bending or straightening the elbow accompanied by pain
• Inability or difficulty in turning the forearm (palm up to palm down or vice versa)
• Numbness in one or more fingers.

First Aid

Because breaks often occur as a result of an accident first aid is usually required.

1. Make sure the injured person is out of the way of further harm.
2. Check to see if they are breathing normally.
3. Check their pulse.
4. Call 911 if their breathing and/or pulse are irregular, if there is serious bleeding, or if there is reason to suspect multiple broken bones or other injuries.
5. Elevate the injured arm above the person's heart. This slows bleeding and reduces swelling.
6. If the bone is sticking out from the skin do not try to push it back in. Instead, cover it with a clean, dry cloth or bandage.
7. Do not use the broken arm. Moving the arm could cause further injury. To immobilize a broken arm:

• Make a temporary splint. Find something long and stiff to attach to the site of the injury. Wood or rolled up magazines or newspapers attached to the arm with cloth, belts or tape can be used to immobilize the joint. Make sure both ends of the splint extend far above and below the injury. Tie the splint tight enough to hold it in place, but not so tight as to reduce blood flow.
• Make a sling. Place the injured arm across the chest with the hand resting near the shoulder. Use a loop of cloth supported from the neck and around the arm to stabilize the injury and support the splint.

Take the injured person to a doctor immediately

November 2001, AAOS