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What are Forearm Fractures in Children?

The radius (bone on the thumb side) and ulna (bone on the little-finger side) are the two bones of the forearm. Forearm fractures can occur near the wrist, near the elbow or in the middle of the forearm. Apart from this, the bones in children are prone to a unique injury known as a growth plate fracture. The growth plate, which is made of cartilage (flexible tissue) is present at the ends of the bones in children and helps in the determination of length and shape of the mature bone.

The healing of fractures in children is quicker than that in adults. Thus, if a fracture is suspected in a child, it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention for proper alignment of the bones.

Types of Forearm Fractures in Children

Forearm bones may break in many ways. Fractures may be open, where the bone protrudes through the skin or closed, where the broken bone does not pierce the skin. The common types of fractures in children include:

  • Buckle or torus fracture: A stable fracture that compresses the bone on one side, forming a buckle on the opposite side of the bone, without breaking the bone
  • Greenstick fracture: One side of the bone breaks and bends the bone on the other side
  • Galeazzi fracture: Displacement of the radius and dislocation of the ulna at the wrist where both bones meet 
  • Metaphyseal fracture: Fracture affecting the upper or lower portion of the bone shaft 
  • Monteggia fracture: Fractured ulna and dislocated head of the radius 
  • Growth plate fracture: Fracture occurring at or across the growth plate 

Causes of Forearm Fractures in Children 

Forearm fractures in children are caused due to a fall on an outstretched arm or direct hit on the forearm, which may result in the breakage of one or both bones (radius and ulna).

Signs and Symptoms of Forearm Fractures in Children

A fractured forearm causes severe pain and numbness. The other signs and symptoms include:

  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Inability to turn or rotate the forearm
  • Deformed forearm, wrist or elbow
  • Bruising or discoloration of the skin
  • Popping or snapping sound during the injury

Diagnosis of Forearm Fractures in Children

Forearm fractures in children can be diagnosed by analyzing X-ray images of the wrist, elbow or the forearm.

Treatment of Forearm Fractures in Children

The treatment of forearm fractures in children is based on the location, type of fracture, degree of bone displacement and its severity.

Non-surgical therapy of Forearm Fractures in Children

Your child’s doctor will advise you to apply an ice pack over a thin towel on the affected area for 15-20 minutes 3-4 times a day, to relieve pain and swelling. For severe angled fractures, in which the bones have not broken through the skin, your doctor will align the bones properly without the need for surgery (closed reduction). A splint or cast may be required for 3 to 4 weeks for a stable buckle fracture. Immobilization for 6 to 10 weeks is recommended for more serious fractures.

Surgical Treatment of Forearm Fractures in Children

Surgery may be necessary for severe fractures such as fractures of the growth plate or the joint. Other conditions, such as broken skin, bone displacement, unstable fractures, misaligned bones, and bones healing in an improper position may also require surgical repair. Your surgeon will first align the bones through an incision and use fixation devices such as pins or metal implants to hold the bones in place while the wound heals. A cast or a splint may be placed to hold the bones in place.

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Pediatric Orthopaedics Clinic locations

  • Idaho Falls Community Hospital Pediatric Specialty Center

    2330 Desoto Street
    Idaho Falls, ID 83404

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  • Primary Children's Hospital (PCH)

    100 N. Mario Capecchi Drive
    Suite 4550,
    Salt Lake City, UT  84113

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  • Lehi Primary Children’s Hospital

    2250 N Miller Campus Dr
    Suite 300,
    Lehi, UT 84043

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  • Utah Valley Outpatient Center (Provo)

    1157 N. 300 W.
    Suite 302,
    Provo, UT 84604

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  • Layton Intermountain Hospital (Layton)

    201 W. Layton Parkway,
    Suite 3B,
    Layton, UT 84041

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  • Outreach Clinic - Missoula MT

    2360 Mullan Rd
    Suite C,
    Missoula MT 59808

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  • Outreach Clinic - St. George

    1380 E Medical Center Drive,
    Bldg 1; St.
    George UT 84790

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  • Outreach Clinic - Moab

    Moab Regional Hosp,
    450 Williams Way,
    Moab UT 84532

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  • Outreach Clinic - Blanding

    San Juan Health Dept.,
    735 S 200 W Ste 2,
    Blanding UT 84511

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  • Outreach clinic - Vernal

    Tricounty Health Dept.,
    133 S 500 E,
    Vernal UT 84078

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  • Outreach Clinic- Idaho Falls, ID

    Pediatric Specialty Clinic,
    Eastern ID Regional Medical Center,
    2330 Desoto St.
    Idaho Falls 83401

    Tel :