Broken Arm

Reviewed on 9/19/2022

What Facts Should I Know About a Broken Arm?

Picture of a broken arm in a sling. A broken arm is usually caused by a fall or trauma.
Picture of a broken arm in a sling. A broken arm is usually caused by a fall or trauma.

A broken (fractured) arm means that one or more of the bones of the arm have cracked. This is a common injury occurring in both children and adults.

  • In adults, fractures of the arm account for nearly half of all broken bones.
  • In children, fractures of the forearm are second only to broken collarbones.

Basic anatomy of the arm

The arm consists of three major bones. The humerus runs from the shoulder to the elbow. This is called the upper arm, or, simply, the arm. At the elbow, the humerus connects with two bones: the radius and the ulna. These bones go from the elbow to the wrist and are regarded as the forearm.

Important terms related to a broken arm

  • Alignment: The relationship of how the broken portions of the bone come together. This is an indication of how badly a bone is broken.
  • Angulation: The angle formed by the broken pieces of bone. Another measure of the seriousness of the break.
  • Closed fracture: A broken bone without an open skin wound
  • Comminuted fracture: A bone that is broken in multiple pieces
  • Dislocation: A bone that has come out of a joint
  • Displaced fracture: A broken bone with the parts of the bone not aligned
  • Fracture: A crack in the bone. This is another word for a broken bone.
  • Fracture-dislocation: A broken bone that has also come out of a joint
  • Greenstick fracture: An incomplete fracture seen in children where only one side of the bone is broken
  • Malunion: Healing of the bone in an unsatisfactory position
  • Nonunion: Failure of the pieces of bone to heal back together
  • Occult fracture: A broken bone that does not appear initially on the X-rays
  • Open fracture (compound fracture): A fracture that has a laceration in the skin overlying the break or a fracture that has a piece of bone sticking through the skin
  • Pathologic fracture: A broken bone that is due to a weakness of the bone itself from some other disease

What Causes a Broken Arm?

Typical bone fractures
The most important aspect of first aid is to stabilize the arm.

Almost all injuries to the arm that result in a broken bone are caused in two ways: falls and direct trauma.

  • The typical fall that produces a fracture occurs when a person falls on an outstretched hand. The location of the fracture can be from the wrist up to the shoulder depending on the direction of the fall, the age of the person, and other factors that modify the stresses applied to the bone.
  • Direct trauma can be from a direct blow from an object such as a bat, the trauma during a car accident, or any accident that causes the direct application of force to a part of the arm.

What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Arm?

Most broken arms have these symptoms:

  • A large amount of pain and increased pain when moving the arm
  • Swelling
  • Maybe an obvious deformity compared to the other arm
  • Possible open wound either from the bone puncturing the skin or from the skin being cut during the injury
  • Decreased sensation or inability to move the limb, which may indicate nerve damage

When Should I See a Doctor for a Broken Arm?

Call a doctor after an accident if any of these signs are present:

  • Significant pain that is not relieved by ice and home pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin)
  • A large amount of swelling or mild deformity of the arm compared to the opposite arm
  • Significant pain with the use or limited use of the affected arm
  • Pain in one specific part of the arm when it is pressed

The doctor may advise the patient to go directly to a hospital's emergency department. Under the following conditions, go directly to the hospital for emergent care:

  • Visible bone sticking out through the skin
  • Heavy bleeding from an open wound
  • Complete lack of movement or sensation of part of the arm
  • Obvious deformity that looks drastically different from the usual appearance
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Many other injuries

How Is a Broken Arm Diagnosed?

The initial evaluation by any physician, in the office or in the emergency department, begins with a thorough history and physical exam. By finding out the details of the accident, the doctor is able to determine what damage was done based on the mechanism of the trauma.

After taking a history, the physician will do a complete physical exam with a special focus on the painful areas. The doctor is looking for signs of a fracture (such as swelling or deformity) and checking for possible nerve or blood vessel damage.

X-rays are typically the test used to assess for broken bones. At least two views of the arm are taken. Initially, most broken bones will have an apparent fracture or other abnormality on the X-ray. Some fractures are not always visible on the first set of X-rays. In those instances, a CT scan or MRI may be performed immediately for further evaluation, or follow-up X-rays may be obtained at a later date.

Are There Home Remedies for a Broken Arm?

  • The most important aspect of first aid is to stabilize the arm. Do this by using a towel as a sling. Place it under the arm and then around the neck. An alternate approach to keep the arm from moving is to position a rolled and taped newspaper along the swollen area and tape it in place.
  • Apply ice to the injured area. This can help to decrease pain and swelling. Place ice in a bag and leave it on the arm for 20-30 minutes at a time. It may be helpful to place a towel around the ice bag or in between the bag and the skin to protect the skin from getting too cold. Never put ice directly on the skin.

What Is the Treatment for a Broken Arm?

The most important aspect of treating fractures is to determine which fractures can be treated with outpatient care, and which require admission to the hospital.

In most instances, the broken arm will be able to be treated in the emergency department.

  • Most fractures will need to have a splint or partial cast applied to stabilize the broken bones. Some breaks especially in the upper arm and shoulder may only need to be immobilized in a sling.
  • In addition to splinting the broken arm, the physician will prescribe medicines for pain control and ice to decrease swelling.
  • Typically, wounds that warrant admission to the hospital are these:
    • Bones that have gone through the skin or have lacerations over the broken area
    • Fractures that are associated with nerve damage
    • Fractures that are associated with blood vessel damage
    • Complicated fractures that have multiple breaks, involve the joints or are unable to be stabilized in the emergency department or doctor's office

What Is the Follow-Up Care for a Broken Arm?

Most broken arms will not require admission to the hospital. For all other fractures, the treating doctor will suggest the patient follow up with an orthopedic doctor (bone specialist). At that time, the orthopedist will determine what further care (continued splinting, casting, or surgery) is necessary based on the type of fracture.

Additional follow-up instructions for fractures include the following:

  • Wear any supported device (splint, sling, or brace, for example) until the patient sees the doctor for follow-up.
  • Keep the splint or cast clean and dry.
  • Apply ice to the injured area for 20-30 minutes 4-5 times a day.
  • Keep the arm elevated above the heart as much as possible to decrease swelling. Use pillows to prop the arm while in bed or sitting in a chair.
  • Take pain medications as prescribed. Do not drink or drive while taking narcotic pain medication.
  • Call the doctor for increased pain, loss of sensation, or if the fingers or hands turn cold or blue.

How Can I Prevent a Broken Arm?

There are two main ways to help prevent a broken arm.

  • Wear appropriate personal safety equipment as protection. Wearing car seat belts, using wrist guards for in-line skating and skateboarding, and wearing appropriate pads for contact sports are all good ways to prevent bone fractures.
  • Prevent and treat osteoporosisthe disease-causing bone loss, especially in older women. These women tend to have more fractures as they age. In this group, the use of calcium supplements and estrogen replacement would help to reduce the number of fractures resulting from weakened bones. The best treatment for osteoporosis is prevention. This is best done early in life by building stronger bones through a good diet and exercise. Women of all ages should discuss techniques for the prevention and treatment of ongoing osteoporosis with their doctor.

How Long Does a Broken Arm Take to Heal?

The majority of fractures heal and normal arm movement is restored. Recovery can take six to eight weeks, while it can take a full year for the broken bone to fully heal.

Many of these factors based on the individual injury and medical history may determine the outcome of a broken bone:

  • Earlier treatment usually improves results.
  • Fractures in younger children and adolescents tend to heal better.
  • Fractures that have multiple breaks, involve a joint, have open wounds, or become infected could have healing complications.
  • Older adults have an increased chance of losing some ability or movement in the broken arm.
  • Chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and diabetes may slow the healing process.

Broken Arm

Symptoms of a Broken Arm

Almost all injuries to the arm that result in a fracture to the bone are caused by either falling or a trauma to the arm. The most common symptoms of a broken arm are:

  • a large amount of pain and increased pain when moving the arm;
  • swelling;
  • there may be an obvious deformity compared to the other arm;
  • possible open wound either from the bone puncturing the skin or from the skin being cut during the injury; or
  • a decreased sensation or inability to move the arm, which may indicate nerve damage.
Reviewed on 9/19/2022
References
International Osteoporosis Foundation: "About Osteoporosis."

News Release, International Osteoporosis Foundation.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Recommendations for Enhancing the Care of Patients with Fragility Fractures," "Distal Radius Fractures," "Adult Forearm Fractures."

Pesce, V. , 2009. Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism

American Society for Surgery of the Hand: "Wrist Fractures -- Distal Radius Fracture."

Pietri, M. , 2007. Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism

Cleveland Clinic: “Fractures.”

KidsHealth: “The Facts About Broken Bones,” “Broken Bones.”

Victoria State Government, Better Health Channel: “Bone Fractures.”

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthInfo: “Fractures (Broken Bones).”

Arizona State University School of Life Sciences, Ask a Biologist: “Busy Bones.”

Medscape: “Principles of Bone Healing.”

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Foot Health Facts: “Bone Healing.”

Osteoporosis Canada: “After the Fracture: Information About Pain and Practical Tips for Movement.”

NHS: “Broken Arm or Wrist.”

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: “Internal Fixation for Fractures.”