Through What Mechanism Could A Child Be Able To Move His Limb Despite A Mid-shaft Radius And Ulna Fracture?

Posted on Sat, 14 Jul 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 14 Jul 2018 Answered on

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, would it be possible to view the x-rays of my 6 month old son's fracture (mid-shaft radius/ulna) and for you to tell me what category of fracture it is, what is the likely mechanism and why it was still possible for him to move his arm without pain?

Many thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
undisplaced Fracture of forearm.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

This is un displaced Fracture radius and ulna midshaft probably due to fall on outstretched hands.
Since this fracture is undisplaced so the swelling would be minimal and there will be movement. Pain is only there when there is pressure at Fracture site - like when there is rotation or weight lifting. Sometimes the pain tolerance is very good in some people and they may not feel pain at normal levels.
You should get his arm immobilized in cast to prevent any other injury.

Thanx for the question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (3 hours later)

Many thanks for your reply.
Can I also ask is this fracture known as transverse/greenstick or both? Or other? How would it be classified specifically on a report?

Also, what type of force is likely to cause this, ie bending force, shear force? Can you see from the x-ray how much force was likely in this case?

Many thanks again

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see below

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Transverse is the direction of fracture. This would be transverse.
Greenstick is incomplete Fracture which is seen initially only on one side. This Fracture I would not call Greenstick.
In a report it would be called undisplaced transverse fracture Both bones Forearm.- Sometimes the words used are different depending on the country.
This is usually caused by fall on outstretched hands. It is not possible to know the amount of force by seeing the X-rays.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng