Fractures of the Radius and Ulna
Home > Condition & Treatment Map > Forearm Conditions & Treatments > Fractures of the Radius and Ulna
Overview
Forearm fractures are relatively uncommon injuries. Some fractures will simply be a crack while others will be significant elbow and wrist injuries.
Assessment
Trauma Surgeons at Bone & Joint will assess your injury and organise x-rays and scans if required. If surgery is needed, the team will help guide you through the process as a successful outcome will require recovery and rehabilitation, often with physiotherapists or a hand therapist. Some fractures will still need a cast after surgery and other types of fractures can be managed in a sling.
Treatment
Non-operative management
A simple crack in the bone, while painful, will normally heal well. Specialists will oversee treatment in a splint, cast or sling. Follow up x-rays will be required. Sometimes the bone will fail to heal naturally. If this is the case, surgery maybe required.
Surgical management
If the broken bone has moved too much, has failed to heal or if there is instability of the elbow forearm or wrist, surgery to lock the bone back in place may be the best option.
When to contact us
If you have had a fracture of the radial head and would like a specialist opinion, please call our rooms on
03 5752 5020
