Arm fractures can occur in various parts of the arm, each with different implications and treatment approaches. Here’s an overview of the main types of arm fractures:
1. Clavicle Fracture (Collarbone Fracture)
Location: The clavicle is the bone that runs across the top of the chest, connecting the sternum (breastbone) to the shoulder blade.
- Causes: The clavicle is often broken following a fall and landing on the shoulder or a direct blow.
- Symptoms: A fractured clavicle may cause pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the shoulder.
2. Humerus Fracture
- Location: The humerus is the long bone in the upper arm. It joins the shoulder and the elbow.
- Types:
Proximal Humerus Fracture: Fracture near the shoulder joint. Common in elderly individuals with osteoporosis.
Mid-shaft Humerus Fracture: Occurs along the middle of the humerus. Often results from trauma or accidents.
Distal Humerus Fracture: Fracture near the elbow joint, which may involve the joint itself. For further information, see specific details on elbow fractures.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, and inability to move the arm, with possible deformity.
3. Radius and Ulna Fractures
- Location: These are the two long bones in the forearm.
- Types:
- Radius Fracture: Commonly occurs near the wrist (distal radius fracture) or along the length of the bone.
- Colles’ Fracture: A specific type of distal radius fracture. It often occurs following a fall on an outstretched hand.
- Ulna Fracture: This can occur near the elbow (olecranon fracture) or along the length of the bone.
- Olecranon Fracture: A fracture of the bony prominence of the elbow. This is often caused by a direct blow to the elbow or a fall.
4. Comminuted Fracture
- Description: The bone is broken into multiple fragments.
- Causes: Typically results from severe trauma or high-impact injuries.
- Treatment: Often requires surgical intervention to realign and fixate the fragments.
5. Greenstick Fracture
- Description: An incomplete fracture where the bone bends and cracks but doesn’t break all the way through.
- Causes: Common in children whose bones are softer and more flexible.
- Treatment: Usually treated with casting or splinting.
6. Stress Fracture
- Description: A small hairline fracture caused by repetitive stress or overuse.
- Causes: Often seen in athletes or individuals who engage in repetitive activities.
- Symptoms: Gradual onset of pain that worsens with activity.
7. Compound (Open) Fracture
- Description: The broken bone protrudes through the skin, creating an open wound.
- Causes: Severe trauma or high-impact injuries.
- Treatment: Requires immediate medical attention to prevent infection and to repair the fracture.
8. Stable Fracture
- Description: The bone cracks or breaks but remains aligned. There is minimal displacement.
- Treatment: Often managed with immobilisation using a cast or splint.
9. Unstable Fracture
- Description: The fracture fragments are misaligned, which can affect the stability of the bone.
- Treatment: Often requires surgical intervention to properly realign and stabilise the bone.
Symptoms of Arm Fractures:
- Pain: Sharp, severe pain at the site of the fracture.
- Swelling: Significant swelling around the fracture site.
- Bruising: Discoloration and bruising.
- Deformity: Abnormal shape or angle of the arm.
- Inability to Move: Difficulty or inability to move the affected arm.
Treatment Options:
- Immobilisation: Using casts, splints, or braces.
- Pain Management: Medication to manage pain and swelling.
- Surgery: For severe fractures or those involving joint surfaces, surgical fixation may be required.
- Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy to restore function and strength after immobilisation.
Always seek medical evaluation for a suspected arm fracture to determine the appropriate treatment and ensure proper healing. Access Ortho is staffed by Orthopaedic Surgeons and Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioners who specialise in fractures, sprains, and strains. If you have concerns about an arm fracture, contact Access Ortho today for a rapid appointment.
