Upper limbs
Radius/ulna fracture
by Uperform
The forearm is made up of two long bones, the radius on the one hand, and the ulna or ulna on the other. These two bones articulate in their distal part with the carpal bones, forming the wrist joint.
WHAT TYPES OF FRACTURES CAN BE ENCOUNTERED? WHAT ARE THE LESION MECHANISMS?
There are two types of fractures of the distal end of the radius.
- The Pouteau Colles fracture, generally following a fall on the hand in hyperextension.
- The Goyrand-Smith fracture, following a fall on the hand in hyperflexion.
- The Pouteau Colles fracture represents the majority of lesions of this type, i.e. approximately 80% of
wrist fracture.
It mainly concerns women over 50, postmenopausal, whose lower bone density weakens the bones of the wrist.
Fractures of this type are also found in athletes following acute trauma.
Finally, children and teenagers, in full growth, can be victims of this fracture, because of their less important bone density (then forming fractures called “green wood”).
2. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The symptoms found in this type of fracture are immediate and take the following forms:
- Redness at the wrist
- A sharp pain
- Sudden swelling at the trauma site
- Inability to perform any movement without increasing pain
- A hematoma, due to bleeding from the bone
- A more or less obvious change in the shape of the wrist and/or forearm
3. IS IT SERIOUS?
This fracture, very painful, causes an obvious deformation of the wrist and immediately impacts the functionality of the limb.
It is therefore essential to go directly to the emergency room in order to perform an X-ray, which will make it possible to objectify the lesion and determine its severity.
An EMG can also sometimes detect any neurological lesions that may accompany more serious forms of fracture.
4. IS SURGERY MANDATORY?
Medical imaging can determine the severity of the lesion. Depending on this, it is then decided whether to operate or not. In simplified cases, a simple reduction and immobilization under plaster for 4 to 6 weeks are sufficient.
But in the event of displacement of the bone structures, or of a complex fracture line, a surgical intervention may prove to be essential in order to avoid complications and sequelae.
5. HOW DOES THE REHABILITATION TAKE PLACE?
The physio treatment starts when the cast is removed. At the beginning of rehabilitation, the wrist remains maintained under protection (splint).
The main axes of treatment will then focus on:
The recovery of articular amplitudes of the upper limb (elbow, wrist and hand)
The recovery of the overall and analytical muscular strength of the upper limb
Motor control and fine finger grip
Re-athletics and getting back into sports
6. CAN I CONTINUE TRAINING?
At first, the cessation of sports activity is essential.
Consulting a health professional then makes it possible to determine the procedure to follow in order to return to your sports practice as quickly as possible in complete safety.
Note, however, that secondly, maintaining physical activity on the rest of your body improves the healing speed of your damaged tissues. If your wrist is momentarily handicapped, the rest of your body works just fine!
7. WILL I RETURN TO MY PRE-INJURY LEVEL?
Provided you follow the instructions and recommendations given by your surgeon and your therapist, you will more than likely find your level in a few months!
8. WHAT CAN I DO TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS?
In order to speed up the healing process, be sure to follow the recommendations of the health professionals with whom you work.
Laziness or, on the contrary, overzealousness, will be your enemies.
Conversely, discipline, rigour, perseverance as well as a positive and voluntary state of mind will help you get back in top shape as soon as possible!
We care, u perform