What is distal radius and ulna?
The radius is the bone on the thumb side and the ulna is the bone on the little finger side. People may break both of these bones when they trip and hold an arm out to stop the fall. The distal (closest to the hand) part of the bones are most likely to be injured.
What is a radius and ulna fracture called?
When both bones are fractured at different levels and there is a joint injury at the wrist or elbow, these are described as Galeazzi or Monteggia fractures: Galeazzi facture: Most often a displaced fracture in the radius and a dislocation of the ulna at the wrist, where the radius and ulna come together.
What happens if radius bone is fractured?
You will usually have pain and swelling in the forearm or wrist. You may have a deformity in the shape of the wrist if the fracture is bad enough. The presence of bruising (black and blue discoloration) is common. See your doctor if you have enough pain in your arm to stop you from using it normally.
What is a distal radius?
The radius is one of two forearm bones and is located on the thumb side. The part of the radius connected to the wrist joint is called the distal radius. When the radius breaks near the wrist, it is called a distal radius fracture. The break usually happens due to falling on an outstretched or flexed hand.
How long does it take for a broken radius and ulna to heal?
They take an average of 3-6 months to completely heal. By six weeks, patients are extremely comfortable and usually are released to full activities such as manual labor, skiing and motocross by three to four months. Aggressive return to activity too early can result in re-fracture, hardware breakage or non-union.
What is ulnar diaphyseal fracture?
Diaphyseal fractures involving the radius and ulna, so called “both-bone” or “double-bone” forearm fractures are common orthopedic injuries. These injuries can result in significant loss of function if inadequately treated.
What does diaphyseal fracture mean?
Diaphysis. The diaphysis is the long central portion of the tibia that attaches the proximal or rear portion of the bone to the distal or far part of the bone. Diaphyseal fractures can occur due to direct impact or a twisting or falling injury.
How long does it take to heal a broken radius and ulna?
Does a broken radius and ulna require surgery?
Both bones fracture is an injury that almost always requires surgery in an adult patient. Without surgery, the forearm is generally unstable and there is no ability to cast this type of fracture. In younger children, nonsurgical treatment can be considered, but even in adolescents surgery may need to be performed.
Is distal radius surgery painful?
Occasionally, after surgery to repair a badly fractured distal radius, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can occur. Be warned – initially the surgery is painful. We try to numb the affected area for about 24 hours after surgery, and then after that the patient will probably feel some discomfort for a few days.
Is it common to break radius and ulna?
Fractures of the radius and ulna are the most common fractures of the upper extremity, with distal fractures occurring more often than proximal fractures.
What happens when you break your ulna and radius?
A fracture in the forearm can occur near the wrist, in the middle of the forearm or near the elbow. The forearm motion allows us to rotate our palms up or down. A broken forearm can affect your ability to rotate your arm and even bend or straighten the wrist and elbow.
How long does it take for a broken ulna and radius to heal?
How long does it take for a radius and ulna break to heal?
Why do both the radius and ulna fracture?
Description. In adults, simultaneous fractures of the shaft of the ulna and radius (the so-called “both bone fractures”) are most often the consequence of a direct blow to the forearm or other high energy mechanisms. In the adult, these injuries usually require surgical fixation.