Unterarmfraktur

Komplette
Unterarmfraktur mit deutlicher Verschiebung der Fragmente.
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Alte
Unterarmfraktur. Der Radius ist in Fehlstellung konsolidiert, an der Ulnafraktur hat sich eine hypertrophe Pseudarthrose ausgebildet. Nebenbefundlich Gefäßverkalkungen.
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Unterarmschaftfraktur
durch direktes Trauma mit deutlicher Dislokation des Radius.
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Radiopaedia • CC-by-nc-sa 3.0 • de

Forearm fractures are a group of fractures that occur in the forearm following trauma. The radius and ulna are bound together at the proximal and distal radioulnar joints and act as a ring. Like elsewhere in the body, it is difficult to only fracture one bone if there is a bony ring. If the radius or ulna is fractured, it is likely there is another fracture or one of the radioulnar joints has been damaged.

Epidemiology

Forearm fractures are seen in all age-groups although as with most simple trauma, there is a bimodal age and sex distribution with high-trauma injuries in the younger age-group and simple falls in the older age-group.

Clinical presentation

The majority of patients present with a history of trauma to the forearm and pain. They are reluctant to move their wrist or elbow and depending on the severity of the injury there may be a deformity.

An x-ray of the forearm will determine the type of injury that has occurred. In most cases, there will either be a paired radial and ulnar fracture or an isolated radial fracture and dislocation of the distal or proximal radioulnar joint.

Radiographic features

Forearm fractures are readily diagnosed on plain radiographs, and further imaging is rarely required.

Plain radiograph

AP and lateral X-rays of the forearm are performed.

A radial or ulnar fracture will be visible on at least one view. It is important to determine what type of fracture it is, e.g. transverse, oblique, comminuted.

If there is only one fracture, it is important to look for a second fracture, or see if there is damage to the proximal or distal radioulnar joint:

Treatment and prognosis

Treatment depends on the degree of displacement and/or comminution. These fractures are often accompanied by a significant amount of displacement and require reduction. If there is associated radial head or distal ulnar dislocation, manipulation with reduction of the fracture and dislocation is required.

Fractures
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Assoziationen und Differentialdiagnosen zu Unterarmfraktur:
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Trauma
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