Radius and Ulna Surgery

Radius and Ulna Surgery

Surgeons recommend an operation to fix the broken forearm if it is broken into many pieces, if the bones are far apart, if both bones are broken, if the bone sticks out through the skin, or if the nerves or blood vessels are injured. If the bone has made a hole in the skin or is sticking out, urgent surgery is required.

Most forearm fractures are fixed with plates and screws placed through an incision over each broken bone. In kids, sometimes small wires can be put inside the bones through very small incisions. Surgery takes under an hour and can often be done on a “same day” or outpatient basis. Ideally, surgeons like to perform surgery within 1-2 weeks of injury. Thus, patients have time to seek a second opinion regarding treatment if more information or additional surgeon input is desired.

It is important to choose your surgeon wisely. Extensive surgical experience can be helpful in achieving a good result and avoiding complications. Collectively, ROC trauma and hand orthopedic surgeons have performed more radius and ulna operations than any practice in Northern Nevada and take pride in outstanding surgical results.

After surgery, patients are placed in a splint or ace wrap and given a sling for comfort only. Weight-bearing is limited to a few pounds but patients have their fingers free to type and perform gentle activities. In 10 to 14 days, the splint is removed, a removable brace is used and initial range-of-motion exercises are encouraged. Some patients are referred to physical and occupational therapy to help with stiffness, strengthening and motion.