The arms and elbows are common injury sites. While the legs provide mobility, the arms accomplish most other physical activities in work and play. In traumatic situations or falls, the arms often take the brunt of the injury. Bone fractures, joint dislocations and deep muscle bruising remain among the most common of arm and elbow injuries.
Humerus Fracture
The humerus is the large bone of the upper arm. Trauma to the upper arm may lead to fracture of the humerus. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that fractures at the head of humerus--near the shoulder--typically cause marked shoulder swelling, intense pain and severely restricted movement of the shoulder joint. Humerus fractures at the other end of the bone are a form of broken elbow. Symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and instability of the elbow joint.
Radius and Ulna Fractures
The radius and ulna are the bones of the forearm. Fractures often occur in these bones due to falls. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that as the arms reach out to break a fall, the force of the fall transfers to the forearm, possibly causing a fracture. Radius fractures close to the wrist occur most commonly. Symptoms include pain, swelling and deformity of the forearm near the wrist. Less commonly, the radius may fracture near the elbow causing pain, swelling and difficulty moving the elbow. Among children, forearm fractures tend to occur in the soft areas of the bone known as the growth plates. One or both bones of the forearm may fracture, with approximately 75 percent occurring near the wrist, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Elbow Dislocation
Elbow dislocation occurs when the three bones that meet at the elbow--the humerus, radius and ulna--come out of normal alignment. Car accidents and falls can cause elbow dislocations, which may be partial or complete. Information from MayoClinic.com indicates elbow dislocations typically cause immediate, severe pain with an obvious physical abnormality in the shape of the joint. A partial dislocation of the radius called "nursemaid's elbow" occurs frequently in children younger than age 5. Lifting a child by one arm or wrist, or forcefully pulling on the arm can cause this injury.
Muscle Contusion
A muscle contusion is a bruise within the muscle tissue. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that blunt trauma or a direct blow can crush the muscle cells and connective tissue causing muscle bleeding. The area typically swells and bleeding into the muscle may cause a painful bruised lump over the site of the injury. Stiffness and weakness in the affected muscle commonly occur. Extensive bleeding and swelling may lead to a complication known as compartment syndrome. With this condition, the pressure within the area increases to the point that blood cannot flow into the injured area. Surgery may prove necessary to open the damaged area, relieving the pressure and restoring blood flow.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Shoulder Trauma
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Distal Humerus Fractures
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Radial Head Fractures
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Distal Radius Fracture
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Forearm Fractures in Children
