Fracture of radius with displacement

Fracture of the radius of the arm is a fairly severe damage, which is associated with a large degree of impaired function of the forearm. Most often, these injuries are due to indirect trauma in the middle and distal (lower) third, less often - in the proximal (upper). This is due to the anatomical morphological structure.

Features of fractures of the radius

With a closed fracture of the radius, the skin is not damaged. In the case of open fractures, the trauma of soft tissues and bone occurs under the influence of the same factor.

There are fractures of the radial bone without displacement (punctured fracture, crack) and fractures of the radius with displacement. The fracture plane may have a transverse or oblique direction. With direct injury, fractures of the radial bone are more often transverse, less often - fragmentation.

A typical fracture of the radius with displacement depending on the position of the hand at the time of injury can be:

• extensor - at which the displacement of bone fragments occurs in the ray direction and towards the rear;
• bending - arises with a bent brush, the fragment thus moves to the side of the palm.

These fractures are often intraarticular, often accompanied by the separation of the styloid process.

Symptoms of fracture of the radius with displacement:

• swelling;
• deformation;
• restriction of movements in the joint;
• pain, aggravated when trying to move.

Treatment after fracture of the radius

1. First of all, a reposition is made - a fracture with a shift is made under local anesthesia manually, using special apparatus (Sokolovsky, Ivanov, Edelstein) or on the Kaplan table.
2. Further on the forearm and a brush tires from gypsum longots are superimposed. In this case, the palm is given palmar flexion and a small lead to the elbow. The fixation period is from 4 to 6 weeks.
3. When the puffiness subsides, the tires are strengthened with soft bandages or replaced with a circular gypsum dressing.
4. To control the secondary displacement, an x-ray diagnosis is performed (5 to 7 days after repositioning).

In some cases, osteosynthesis is performed - operative connection of fragments of bones. Such intervention helps to prevent displacement and wrong fusion, shorten the period of rehabilitation.

Incorrect fracture of radius

If the fusion of the fracture occurred with a violation of the length of the arm and its axis, then such a fracture is incorrectly fused. In this case, functional disorders or deformity of the limb occur.

The causes of incorrect adhesion can be:

• unsatisfactory repositioning;
• prematurely terminated fixation;
• excessive hand load.

Treatment of improperly fused fracture of the radius is performed surgically. To correct the deformation, an osteotomy is performed - an orthopedic operation consisting of bone dissection (artificial fracture). Then the defect is replaced by an artificial element and fixed with a special plate.

Recovery after a fracture of the radius

Rehabilitation after a fracture of the radius should be started as soon as possible (as soon as the pain decreases). From the first days it is necessary to make active movements with your fingers, it is allowed to perform light self-service work. After removal of the bandage is prescribed such restoration measures:

• thermal procedures;
• massage;
• LFK-exercises .

Exercises of physiotherapy exercises cover all the free joints of the injured hand. Particular attention is given to warm-up of the fingers. Some exercises should be performed in warm water to relieve the load.

To fully restore the function of the hand requires 1.5 - 2 months.