- Distal forearm fracture
- Distal radius fracture (distal = away from the body; in this case, therefore, near the wrist
- Fracture (fracture) of the lower end of the forearm or wrist in childhood
- Wrist fractures
- Broken spoke
Introduction
The forearm consists of two bones, the ulna and the radius. In many cases, only one of the two bones breaks The distal radius fracture (wrist fracture – spoke fracture) is the most common fracture in childhood, but also the most common fracture of the human skeleton. It usually occurs during a fall, when the child tries to protect himself with his hands from hitting the ground.
Therefore, the child usually falls onto the outstretched hand. But also the fall on the bent hand can lead to a fracture of the forearm bone. In the majority of cases, the radius is affected.
A complete forearm fracture means that both bones are broken. Since ulna and radius are necessary for unrestricted movement of the arm and hand, complete fractures almost always require surgery. Complete forearm fractures account for about one third of all forearm fractures in children.
Forearm fractures are the most common fractures in children and therefore the number of complete fractures is relatively large. Bone fractures can be very painful. Although bones themselves have no pain-conducting nerves, the periosteum is very sensitive to pain and well supplied with nerves. In addition, if fractures are displaced, the surrounding tissue can also be damaged and thus cause severe pain. Movement of the forearm and wrist is usually not possible due to the pain.
Forms of the forearm fracture
There are three types of fractures in the distal (hand end) of the forearm: They are the most common injuries of the arm. The special feature of the lower part of the forearm is its high growth potential. Spontaneous corrections are therefore possible.
In the topic “Fractures in childhood” you can read more about the type of fractures and their spontaneous correction.
- Greenwood fractureGreenwood fracture
- Compression fracture above the growth plate (bead fracture)
- Bending fracture above the growth plate
- Solution of the pineal gland (growth plate) of the radius with or without a wedge-shaped fragment above the pineal gland
The child’s bone is still elastic within certain limits. In a greenwood fracture, the bone breaks on the traction side and the compression side bends.
The greenwood fracture gets its name because the child’s bone has the property of breaking like a green branch. So it does not break through completely, but bursts apart without breaking.
- Spoke
- Elle
- Green wood fracture
Compression fracture is caused by compression.
This means that the bone is compressed with force. The periosteum (periosteum) remains intact and does not tear when the injury occurs. Illustration on the right
- Carpal bones
- Compression fractureBead fracture
- Spoke (radius)
- Growth joints (epiphyses)
- Ulna (ulna)
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