Broken Arm (Fractured Arm): Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery

Overview

• Definition: A broken arm is a fracture in any of the three bones in the arm: humerus, ulna, or radius. It often requires wearing a cast for healing.
• Commonality: More common in the forearm bones (ulna and radius) than the upper arm bone (humerus).
• Recovery Time: Typically takes several months to heal.

Types of Broken Arms

• Bone Fractures: Classified by shape or pattern:
  • Transverse
  • Oblique
  • Spiral
  • Segmental
  • Comminuted
  • Buckle (impacted)
• Cause-Based Fractures:
  • Stress
  • Avulsion

Symptoms and Causes

• Symptoms:

  • Pain, swelling, tenderness
  • Limited movement
  • Bruising, discoloration
  • Visible deformity or bump

• Causes:

  • Traumas, falls, car accidents, sports injuries

• Risk Factors:

  • Kids, teens, athletes
  • Older adults, particularly those with osteoporosis or osteopenia

Diagnosis and Tests

• Diagnosis Methods:
  • Physical exam
  • Imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, CT scan)

Management and Treatment

• Treatment Strategies:

  • Immobilization: Cast or splint for non-displaced fractures
  • Surgery: Required for severe fractures, involving realignment with metal plates, screws, or pins

• Complications of Surgery:

  • Acute compartment syndrome, malunion, nonunion

Prevention

• Safety Tips:
  • Wear seatbelts
  • Use protective sports equipment
  • Keep areas clutter-free
  • Proper use of tools
  • Maintain good bone health
  • Consider bone density tests for those over 65

Outlook / Prognosis

• Recovery Timeline:

  • Varies based on fracture type and treatment
  • Physical therapy is often needed

• Activity Resumption:

  • Follow provider's guidance on when to resume activities

Living With a Broken Arm

• Emergency Symptoms:
  • Intense pain, immobility, deformation, visible bone, swelling
• Provider Questions:
  • Which bone is broken?
  • Need for surgery and duration of casting and therapy

Additional Common Questions

• Distinguishing Sprains from Breaks:
  • Fractures involve bone damage; sprains involve ligament stretching or tearing.

Cleveland Clinic Care

• Provides comprehensive orthopedic care including consultation, testing, treatment, and recovery support.