Broken Arm

Diagnosis of a Broken Arm

Your doctor will examine your arm for tenderness, swelling, deformity, or an open wound. After discussing your symptoms and the cause of the injury, your doctor may order:

• X-rays: To determine the location and extent of the break.

• MRI or CT scan: Occasionally used for more detailed images.

Types of Arm Fractures

• Open (compound) fracture: Bone pierces the skin; requires immediate treatment to prevent infection.

• Closed fracture: Skin remains intact.

• Displaced fracture: Bone fragments are misaligned; may require surgery.

• Comminuted fracture: Bone is broken into multiple pieces, often needing surgery.

• Greenstick fracture: Bone cracks but doesn’t break completely; common in children.

• Buckle (torus) fracture: One side of the bone compresses and bends; also common in children.

Setting the Bone

• Reduction: Displaced fractures may need the bones realigned.

• You may receive a muscle relaxant, sedative, or general anesthesia depending on pain and swelling.

Immobilization

• Splint, sling, brace, or cast is used to restrict movement for healing.

• Cast application usually occurs 5–7 days after injury when swelling decreases.

• Follow-up X-rays may be needed to ensure bones remain aligned.

Medications

• Over-the-counter pain relievers for mild pain.

• Prescription narcotics for severe pain.

• NSAIDs can reduce pain but may affect bone healing if used long term.

• Antibiotics are given for open fractures to prevent infection.

Therapy

• Begin motion exercises early to reduce stiffness in the arm, hand, and shoulder.

• After cast or sling removal, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Surgery

• Required for unstable or severely displaced fractures.

• Surgery may be delayed until swelling decreases.

• Fixation devices (wires, plates, nails, screws) hold bones in place.

• Complications are rare but can include infection or non-healing of the bone.