Fracture arm

Diagnosis

The following procedures will help diagnose the fractured arm.

• Physical Examination: The healthcare provider will conduct a history taking by asking how the patient injured themselves, and physical examination of the arm and will assess for any tenderness, swelling, deformity, or any open wound.
• Imaging test:
  • X-ray: This is the primary instrument for diagnosing broken bones. This test may also be used by healthcare providers to monitor the healing of a broken arm. It creates an image of bones on a film using very small amounts of radiation.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This creates precise images of the inside organs and structures of the body by combining radio waves, powerful magnets, and a computer. Over X-rays, MRIs are more sensitive. Little fractures that occasionally X-rays cannot see can be found with an MRI.
  • Bone scan: This method is effective for identifying fractures, including as stress and child fractures, that might be challenging to see on X-rays. To identify the source of any discomfort or inflammation a person may be feeling, a radioactive material is used.
  • Computed tomography (CT) Scan: This makes use of both X-rays and computer technology. It creates both vertically and horizontally oriented cross-sectional images of the body.

Treatment

The way a broken arm is treated is determined by the specific type of break that has occurred. The amount of time required for the broken bone to heal can be influenced by several factors, such as the severity of the injury, the person’s age, nutritional status, and whether they use tobacco or alcohol. Additionally, any pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes may also impact the healing process.

• Setting the bone: The patient’s healthcare provider may need to realign the components of a fracture if it has displaced fracture. Before the surgery, the patient may require a muscle relaxant, sedative, or possibly a general anesthesia, depending on how much pain and swelling they are experiencing.
• Immobilization: A broken bone needs to be immobilized, which requires the usage of a cast, brace, sling, or other type of immobilizing device. The healthcare provider will probably hold off on placing a cast until the swelling subsides, which typically happens five to seven days after the incident. Patient may probably wear a splint throughout this period. To ensure that the bones have not moved during the healing process, the healthcare provider may ask the patient to undergo for another X-ray.
• Medications: Healthcare provider could suggest taking an over-the-counter pain medication to lessen pain and inflammation. Patient might require a prescription drug with a narcotic for a few days if your pain is severe. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can reduce pain, but they may also slow bone healing, especially if taken for a prolonged period of time. To find out if you can use them to relieve pain, ask your doctor. An antibiotic will probably be prescribed if the patient have an open fracture—a wound or break in the skin near the wound site—to stop an infection from spreading to the bone.
• Therapy: After a short time after initial treatment, rehabilitation begins. To reduce stiffness in the arm, hand, and shoulder while the patient wears their cast or sling, it’s typically crucial to start moving as soon as they can. To regain muscular strength, joint motion, and flexibility once the cast or sling is taken off, the healthcare provider may suggest extra rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy.
• Surgery: Certain fractures require surgery to be stabilized. Healthcare provider might postpone surgery until after the swelling has subsided if the fracture did not break the skin. Swelling will be reduced by elevating and immobilizing their arm.
  • External fixation: The medical professional will insert metal screws and pins into the area below and around the fracture. These will be connected by a metal bar that will be placed outside the skin to keep the broken bones in place during the healing process. This method may be chosen if the individual is unable to undergo surgery due to significant damage to their skin and surrounding soft tissues.
  • Open reduction and internal fixation: The bones will be realigned and placed in their proper places by the healthcare provider. Then, to hold the broken bone’s fragments in place, they will insert specialized screws, metal plates, and rods through the damaged bone.