WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is an arm fracture? An arm fracture is a crack or break in one or more of the bones in your arm. An arm fracture may be caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. It may also be caused by trauma from a car accident or a sports injury. Osteoporosis (brittle bones) can increase your risk for a fracture. What are the different types of arm fractures? - Nondisplaced means the bone cracked or broke but stayed in place.
- Displaced means the 2 ends of the broken bone separated.
- Comminuted means the bone cracked or broke into several pieces.
- Open means the broken bone went through your skin.
What are the signs and symptoms of an arm fracture? - Arm and shoulder pain
- Swelling and bruising
- Abnormal arm position or shape
- Severe pain when you move your arm
- Weakness or numbness in your arm, hand, or fingers
How is an arm fracture diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask about your injury and examine you. An x-ray may show the type of fracture you have. You may need more than 1 x-ray, or another x-ray after several days have passed. How is an arm fracture treated? Treatment will depend on what kind of fracture you have, and how bad it is. You may need any of the following: - A support device, such as a brace, cast, or splint may be needed to hold your broken bones in place. It will decrease your arm movement and allow the bones to heal.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling and pain. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask how to take this medicine safely.
- Closed reduction may be done to put your bones back into the correct position without surgery.
- Open reduction surgery may be needed to put your bones back into the correct position. An incision is made and the bones are put back in the correct position. This may include the use of special wires, pins, plates or screws.
How can I manage my symptoms? - Elevate your arm above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your arm on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- Rest. You should rest your arm as much as possible. Ask your healthcare provider when you can put pressure or weight on your arm. Also ask when you can return to sports or vigorous exercises.
- Apply ice on your arm for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Go to physical therapy as directed. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
When should I seek immediate care? - The pain in your injured arm does not get better or gets worse, even after you rest and take medicine.
- Your injured arm, hand, or fingers feel numb.
- Your arm is swollen, red, and feels warm.
- Your skin over the arm fracture is swollen, cold, or pale.
- You cannot move your arm, hand, or fingers.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- Your brace or splint becomes wet, damaged, or falls off.
- You have questions or concerns about your injury, treatment, or care.
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