Condition Lookup

Radius and Ulna Fractures

Sub-category: Forearm and Wrist Injuries

Symptoms:
pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area; visible deformity of the forearm or wrist; limited range of motion or inability to move the wrist or fingers; bruising and numbness due to nerve compression or damage

Root Cause:
Fractures of the radius or ulna occur when the bone(s) break due to trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, or high-energy impact. Specific fracture types (e.g., Colles’ or Smith’s fractures) depend on the direction and force of the injury.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination (checking for deformity, tenderness, and range of motion). Imaging

Treatment:
Immobilization with a cast or splint for simple, non-displaced fractures. Closed reduction for fractures with misalignment. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery for severe or displaced fractures. Physical therapy after healing to restore mobility and strength.

Medications:
Pain management medications - Acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen . Bone healing support medications - Calcium and vitamin D supplements if indicated. Antibiotics - Prescribed prophylactically if the fracture is open or at risk of infection.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Forearm fractures account for about 50% of all fractures in children and 15% of fractures in adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Osteoporosis or low bone density. Participation in contact or high-impact sports. Falls, especially in older adults or those with balance issues. Trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or workplace injuries.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good prognosis with prompt treatment, particularly for simple fractures. Severe fractures may require longer recovery and carry a risk of long-term stiffness or weakness.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malunion or nonunion of the fracture. Nerve damage (e.g., median nerve in Colles’ fracture). Compartment syndrome (swelling leading to pressure buildup in the forearm). Post-traumatic arthritis in the wrist or forearm joints.

Colles’ Fracture

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Forearm and Wrist Injuries

Symptoms:
pain, swelling, and tenderness around the wrist; deformity resembling a "dinner fork" due to dorsal displacement of the distal radius; difficulty moving the wrist or fingers; bruising and potential nerve symptoms like tingling or numbness in severe cases

Root Cause:
A break in the distal radius bone, typically caused by falling on an outstretched hand with the wrist extended.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with X-rays showing a distal radius fracture with dorsal displacement.

Treatment:
Treated with closed reduction and casting or surgical fixation for severe cases.

Medications:
Pain relievers - Acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen for pain and inflammation. Calcium and vitamin D supplements - Recommended in cases of osteoporosis or low bone density.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in older adults, especially postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, accounting for up to 20% of all fractures in this demographic.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, osteoporosis, and previous wrist fractures. High-impact activities or falls. Weak bone density due to medical conditions or medication side effects.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally favorable with proper treatment, though mild stiffness or reduced wrist strength may persist. Early rehabilitation improves outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malunion, leading to reduced range of motion. Nerve injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Persistent wrist pain or post-traumatic arthritis.

Smith’s Fracture

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Forearm and Wrist Injuries

Symptoms:
wrist pain and tenderness; swelling and bruising around the fracture site; deformity with the distal radius displaced toward the palm; difficulty moving or gripping objects

Root Cause:
Fracture of the distal radius due to falling on a flexed wrist or direct trauma to the back of the wrist.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with X-rays showing a distal radius fracture with volar displacement.

Treatment:
Treated with reduction and immobilization or surgical fixation, depending on severity.

Medications:
Pain relievers - Acetaminophen or NSAIDs like naproxen to manage discomfort. Bone-strengthening supplements - Calcium and vitamin D, particularly for individuals with osteoporosis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common than Colles’ fractures but occurs in both older adults with osteoporosis and younger individuals with high-impact injuries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Osteoporosis, falls on a flexed wrist, and high-energy trauma

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable when promptly treated, though stiffness or decreased wrist mobility can occur. Early rehabilitation improves outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malunion or improper healing. Chronic wrist pain or reduced function. Nerve or tendon injuries due to the fracture displacement.

Scaphoid Fracture

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Forearm and Wrist Injuries

Symptoms:
pain and tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox (the depression at the base of the thumb); swelling around the wrist; difficulty moving the wrist and thumb; pain with gripping or lifting objects

Root Cause:
Fracture of the scaphoid bone in the wrist, typically caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. It is often missed on initial X-rays due to its location.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination - Tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox. X-rays - Can be normal initially, but repeat imaging or CT/MRI may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:
Non-surgical - Casting or splinting the wrist to immobilize the scaphoid and allow it to heal. Surgical - Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) if the fracture is displaced or if non-surgical treatment fails. Physical therapy post-healing for strengthening and restoring motion.

Medications:
Pain management - Acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen to control pain and inflammation. Bone healing - Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be advised to promote healing, particularly in cases with poor blood supply.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Scaphoid fractures are the most common type of carpal bone fracture, accounting for about 60% of all wrist fractures.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact trauma or falls, particularly in sports or work-related injuries. Young adults (especially those engaged in activities such as football, skiing, or cycling).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good prognosis with appropriate treatment; however, there is a risk of nonunion (failure to heal) due to poor blood supply to the scaphoid.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Nonunion or delayed union of the fracture. Osteoarthritis due to joint instability if not treated properly. Avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply).

Wrist Dislocations

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Upper Extremity Injuries

Sub-category: Forearm and Wrist Injuries

Symptoms:
severe pain and deformity in the wrist; swelling and bruising around the wrist; inability to move the wrist or fingers; numbness or tingling if nerves are compressed

Root Cause:
Dislocation of the carpal bones in the wrist, often caused by high-energy trauma, such as a fall from a height or a motor vehicle accident.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination - Visible deformity and limited motion. X-rays or CT scans to confirm the type of dislocation and rule out fractures.

Treatment:
Closed reduction - Manipulating the bones back into place under anesthesia. Surgical reduction and fixation - In cases where closed reduction is unsuccessful or the dislocation is complex. Immobilization with a cast or splint after reduction. Physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength.

Medications:
Pain relief - NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and inflammation. Antibiotics - In cases of open wrist dislocations (rare), to prevent infection.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Wrist dislocations are rare compared to fractures, but they often result from high-energy trauma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-energy trauma such as car accidents, falls from heights, or sports injuries. Osteoporosis or weakened bones may make the wrist more susceptible to dislocations.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt and effective treatment, most people recover well. However, long-term complications can include joint instability and post-traumatic arthritis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Nerve damage, such as median or ulnar nerve injury. Tendon injuries or rupture due to forceful dislocation. Chronic pain, instability, and arthritis if not properly treated.