Radius and Ulna Fractures together

These fractures affect both children and adults.

Mechanism of Injury

Fractures of both bones usually occur from road traffic accidents, but may also arise from a fall onto the outstretched hand or from direct blows to the arm. The latter produces a transverse fracture pattern while spiral fractures tend to occur from falls onto the outstretched hand.

Classification

Depends on a number of factors: the level of the fracture, the degree of displacement and angulation and whether the fracture is open or closed.

Greenstick fractures occur in children. The fracture is incomplete with the only deformity being one of angulation.

Clinical Features

The diagnosis is obvious with pain, deformity and loss of function. Tenderness is found along the fracture site and crepitus is present on gentle movement of the forearm.

Radiographs show the level and pattern of the fracture and the degree of displacement and angulation.