Forearm fracture

This page is for adult patients. For pediatric patients, see: forearm fracture (peds)

Background

Left arm, anterior view of radius and ulna.

Left arm, posterior view of radius and ulna.

• Solitary fractures of the forearm are uncommon
  • Fractures usually occur at two or more sites or also involve a ligamentous injury

Types

Forearm Fracture Types

• Distal radius fractures
  • Colles' fracture
  • Smith fracture
  • Barton fracture
  • Radial styloid fracture
  • Distal radioulnar joint disruption
• Radia ulna fracture
• Isolated radius fracture (proximal)
• Isolated ulna fracture (i.e. nightstick)
• Monteggia fracture-dislocation
• Galeazzi fracture-dislocation
• Forearm fracture (peds)

Galeazzi fracture-dislocation

Evaluation

• Distal radius x-ray

Management & Disposition

Forearm Fracture Management Table

Fracture	Splint	Disposition
Radial head fracture	Nondisplaced Sling and Swathe Splint Displaced Long Arm Posterior Splint or emerg. ORIF
Monteggia fracture-dislocation (ulnar shaft w/prox radioulnar disloc)		Emergent ortho for ORIF
Galeazzi fracture (distal radius w/distal ulnar disloc)		Emerg. ortho for ORIF
Elbow dislocation	Long arm posterior splint after reduction	If associated fracture emergent ortho consult
Forearm fracture	Sugar Tong Splint
Colle's fracture (distal radius with dist dorsal angulation)	Sugar Tong Splint
Smith fracture (reverse colles with volar angulation)	Sugar Tong Splint

See Also

• Fracture (Main)
• Forearm fracture (peds)