Radial Shaft Fracture

Description

This is a break of the radius — the forearm bone on the thumb side — in its shaft. It can happen from a fall or a direct blow.

How it happens (the mechanism)

The radius is the bone that spins when the palm turns up and down. A fall or rotational force can break its shaft. Whenever one forearm bone breaks in the shaft, the joints at both ends deserve a careful look, because the radius and ulna act as a linked pair — a radius shaft break can come with a wrist-joint disruption (a Galeazzi injury), and catching that combination early is what ensures a full return of forearm rotation.

Symptoms

Pain, swelling, and tenderness over the mid-forearm, with difficulty turning the palm up and down.

Doctor examination and imaging

The doctor examines the forearm and the wrist and elbow, and X-rays of the whole forearm show the fracture and the alignment of both joints.

Treatment

A well-aligned break is treated in a cast. If it is shifted or angled, it is set back into place, and if it cannot be held straight, surgery with a flexible rod inside the bone restores alignment. Healing usually takes about six weeks.

Recovery and long-term outlook

These heal well in children, and forearm rotation generally returns to normal when the alignment is restored.

When to call the doctor

Call right away or seek emergency care if pain becomes severe or out of proportion — especially pain when the fingers are gently straightened — or the fingers become numb, pale, blue, or cold, or the cast feels dangerously tight. These can signal dangerous pressure within the arm (compartment syndrome). Also call for fever, worsening swelling, or drainage.

Learn more

OrthoInfo (AAOS) — Forearm Fractures in Children: orthoinfo.aaos.org

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific concerns about your child, consult a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.