We need you! See something you could improve? Make an edit and help improve WikSM for everyone.
Radius Ulna Fracture
From WikiSM
Contents
Other Names
- Both-bone fractures
- Both bone fractures
- Diaphyseal Fractures of the Radius and Ulna
- Double-bone Fractures
Background
History
Epidemiology
- Men > Women
Pathophysiology
- Mechanism
- Direct trauma (defensive)
- Indirecet trauma (MVC, fall, sports)
Pathoanatomy
- Involves injury to Interosseous Membrane of Forearm
Associated Injuries
Risk Factors
- Unknown
Differential Diagnosis
- Fractures
- Pediatric Specific Fractures
- Dislocations & Instability
- Soft Tissue Trauma
- Tendinopathies
- Neuropathies
- Pediatric Considerations
Clinical Features
- General: Physical Examination Forearm
- History
- Will universally include some form of trauma
- Physical Exam
- Gross deformity, swelling, ecchymosis
- Tenderness to palpation
- Emphasis on neurovascular examination
- Evaluate skin for open fracture
Evaluation
- Radiographs
- 3 view standard, minimal 2 view of forearm
- Must get wrist and elbow views as well
- Additional views: oblique forearm
Classification
- AO/OTA
- Fracture type: A (simple), B (wedge), C (complex)
- Involved bones: 1 (ulna), 2 (radius), 3 (both bones)
- E.g.: simple ulna fracture (A1), wedge both bones (B3)
Management
Nonoperative
- Both bone fractures are generally surgical and decision making should be made with an orthopedic surgeon
- Immediate reduction, splinting should be performed in the emergency department[1]
- Splint: Sugar Tong Splint
Operative
- Technique
- Open reduction, internal fixation
Return to Play
- Highly variable, minimum 6 weeks of healing
- Requires post-op physical therapy
Complications
- Infection
- Acute Compartment Syndrome
- Nonunion
- Malunion
- Neurovascular injuries
- Synostosis
See Also
- Elbow Pain (Main)
- Forearm Pain (Main)
- Wrist Pain (Main)
- Forearm Anatomy (Main)
- Physical Exam Forearm
- Fractures (Main)
References
- ↑ Moss, Joshua P., and Donald K. Bynum. "Diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna in adults." Hand clinics 23.2 (2007): 143-151.