5 Things You Need to Know About A Fractured Arm

1. Causes of Fractures

A fractured arm (or any fracture) may result from a number of occurrences. Direct blows, crushing forces or sudden twisting motions can cause bone fractures. Extreme muscle contractions may lead to fractures.

2. Diagnose a Fractured Arm

An arm fracture or a broken arm may have certain signs and complications. The area on the body surrounding the fracture may have soft tissue swelling. Pain may be severe, although in a slight ("hairline") fracture, pain may be minimal or barely noticeable at first. In a severe fracture, arm function may be totally lost, the arm may look deformed and may appear shortened. Bleeding into muscles and joints and joint dislocation may occur with fractures. Ruptured tendons, damaged nerves and blood vessels may accompany a fractured arm, and there may even be skin discoloration.

3. Emergency Management

You must first immobilize the arm immediately before moving the person. Find something to use as a splint (a board, for example). Bandage the arm firmly to the splint with towels or a piece of clothing. If no splint is available, bandage the arm to the injured person's chest or make a splint out of clothing.

4. Signs of Severe Fractures

While you are on your way to the hospital with someone who has a fractured arm, be sure to check regularly for a pulse at the distal location, which is the spot farthest away from the point of bone attachment. Watch out for cold hands and fingers and numbness in the fingers. These signs may indicate that the bandage is too tight and needs loosening, or that there is blood vessel or artery damage. These situations are quite serious and require immediate medical attention. Open fractures (where the bone comes through the skin) are the most serious and may result in tetanus or gangrene. These fractures must be monitored closely for signs of infection.

5. Complete Appropriate After Care

Physical therapy may be needed for some types of serious bone fractures in order to restore optimal functioning. Encourage someone with a fractured arm to get back to their regular activities as soon as possible. This helps regain function, but take care to avoid further injury to the fractured area. Minimum weight bearing for approximately 6 weeks is wise while the bone heals, though lifting may be part of physical therapy. Medicines such as analgesics may be ordered during the healing process. Elevating the fractured arm helps with pain and swelling, and good nutrition is important for complete healing.