Overview

The lower arm from the elbow to the hand (forearm) is made up of two bones called the radius and ulna. In some forearm fractures both bones can be broken. Breaks can occur anywhere along the length of the forearm but when its broken near the hand then it is known as a Distal Radius (wrist) fracture.

A broken (fractured) arm or wrist needs to be treated as soon as possible. It typically takes a month or two to heal. Signs of a broken arm or wrist include: severe pain and tenderness, bruising and swelling, difficulty moving the hand or arm, the wrist or arm being an odd shape, a snap or grinding noise at the time of injury.

forearm_childrens_fracture

What to Do

If you think your child has broken their arm or wrist:

  • go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or call 999 for an ambulance if it’s a bad break – minor fractures can often be treated at a local minor injuries unit
  • avoid moving the affected arm as much as possible – it may help to support it in a sling that goes under the arm and around the neck; find out how to make an arm sling
  • stop any bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean pad or dressing if possible
  • apply an ice pack (such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) to the injured area if one is easily available
  • KEEP THE CHILD FASTING (No food or Drink)
  • Where possible try to get someone else to drive so you can support and comfort your child en route to the hospital.

On arrival in the emergency department the child will be given pain relief and the arm will be x-rayed and usually put in plaster of Paris. If the arm is very deformed they will attempt to straighten it. Depending on how stable the fracture is it may be suitable to treat just in cast or it may require an operation either to simply correct any deformity or to stabilise the bones until healing has occurred.

Care Advice During Recovery

The cast will need to stay on until the broken bone has healed. This usually takes a month or two, but can take longer if the break was severe.

While the arm is in a cast:

  • avoid putting weight or strain on the arm – don’t stop moving it completely, but avoid activities such as carrying anything heavy, cycling and sports.
  • keep the cast dry and keep the arm elevated (for example, on pillows) whenever possible – read more about how to care for a plaster cast
  • do some gentle exercises and stretches to reduce stiffness – your doctor or a physiotherapist will advise you about this; see an NHS leaflet on getting your hand moving after a wrist fracture (PDF, 170kb) for examples of exercises to try
  • get medical advice if you notice changes in your skin colour, unusual sensations in the arm or wrist, signs of infection (redness, swelling or smelly discharge), severe or continuous pain, or problems with the cast (it’s too loose, too tight or cracked)

Your child should be able to attend school or an appropriate childcare setting while in their cast unless advised against this by your doctor. They can also advise about when your child can gradually return to sports and other normal activities.

The arm or wrist may be stiff and weak after the cast is removed. This is very normal. Children are able to restore a normal range of movement in their injured arm usually very quickly, however should they require additional assistance physiotherapy can be arranged.