injuries and poisoning
Elbow Fractures
Fractures of the Upper Forearm
Upper forearm fractures can occur in the top (head) of the larger forearm bone (radius), which is part of the elbow joint. Upper forearm (radial head) fractures usually result from a fall on an outstretched arm. The elbow is swollen and painful. Doctors take x-rays from different angles, but these fractures are often hard to see, so diagnosis relies heavily on results of the physical examination. Most of these fractures can be treated with a sling, but some require surgery. Range-of-motion exercises are started as soon as possible. Radial head fractures usually result from a fall on an outstretched arm. They often occur in active adults. They are more common among adults than children. Fractures in the lower end of the forearm bones are considered Wrist Fractures . Moving the elbow is painful, and one side of the elbow is tender when touched. Blood may leak into the elbow joint, causing swelling. Often, people cannot fully straighten their arm. A doctor's evaluation X-rays (See also Diagnosis .) Doctors ask people to describe what happened and what their symptoms are. Doctors also examine the elbow. To check for radial head fractures, doctors take x-rays from different angles. But radial head fractures may be hard to see, so diagnosis relies heavily on results of the physical examination. However, x-rays usually show fluid inside the elbow joint if a fracture is present. Doctors may insert a needle into the space around the elbow joint and remove fluid (called joint aspiration or arthrocentesis). With the fluid removed, doctors can sometimes determine whether the elbow's movement is limited because of a fracture or because of pain and muscle spasms. Doctors also gently try to move the elbow to determine whether ligaments are affected. Usually a sling Range-of-motion exercises For severe fractures, surgery Most radial head fractures can be treated with a Commonly Used Techniques for Immobilizing a Joint . If the fracture is severe, surgery is done. Exercises to move the elbow through its full range of motion are started as soon as people can tolerate them (often after a few days). These exercises can prevent permanent stiffness. 