Broken arm

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Prevention

Introduction

A broken arm is a common injury. In adults, this type of fracture often occurs during a sports activity or car accident. In children, a broken arm is usually the result of falling onto an outstretched hand while running, hopping, skipping or monkeying around on the monkey bars. If you think you or your child has sustained a broken arm, seek prompt medical attention. It's important to treat a broken arm as soon as possible for proper healing.

Treatment for a broken arm depends on the exact site and severity of the injury. A simple break may be treated with a sling, ice and rest. A more complicated broken arm may require surgery to realign the broken bone and to implant wires, plates, nails or screws into the broken bone to maintain proper alignment during healing.

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Signs and symptoms