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Forearm Fractures
Related Subjects: |Shoulder Anterior Dislocations |Shoulder:Posterior Dislocation |Elbow Dislocation |Olecranon Fracture |Distal Humerus Fracture |Radial Head and Neck Fractures |Forearm Fractures |Shaft of Ulna Fracture |Wrist Colles Fracture |Wrist Smith’s Fracture
💡 Introduction
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🔎 Clinical Findings
- 💪 Deformity of the forearm
- ❌ Reduction in active elbow and/or wrist movement
- 🧠 Assess and document distal neurological function
- ❤️ Assess and document distal vascular function
🩻 X-Ray Findings
- Request radius & ulna X-rays.
- If Monteggia fracture/dislocation suspected → obtain a dedicated lateral elbow view.
📋 Common Eponymous Fractures
| Fracture Name | X-Ray Findings | Initial Management | Follow-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monteggia | Fracture of the ulnar shaft with dislocation of the proximal radial-ulnar joint (abnormal radial–capitellar line). | 💊 Analgesia, 🩹 Long-arm backslab, broad-arm sling. | 📞 Refer to on-call orthopaedics. |
| Galeazzi | Fracture of the radius with dislocation of the distal radial-ulnar joint. | 💊 Analgesia, 🩹 Long-arm backslab, broad-arm sling. | 📞 Refer to on-call orthopaedics. |
| Isolated Ulna Shaft (“Nightstick” fracture) | Isolated fracture of ulna shaft, often from direct trauma (defensive injury). | 💊 Analgesia, 🩹 Long-arm backslab, broad-arm sling. | 📞 Refer to on-call orthopaedics. |
🛠️ Management Principles
- 💊 Ensure adequate analgesia.
- 🩹 Immobilise with a long-arm backslab.
- 🦾 Apply a broad-arm sling for comfort.
- 📞 Refer to orthopaedics for definitive fixation if needed.
⚠️ Complications
- ⛔ Non-union or malunion of fractures
- 🔄 Loss of forearm rotation or joint mobility
- 🧠 Neurovascular compromise (especially if swelling is severe)
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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