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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffThe prognosis for most arm fractures is very good. But complications may include:
- Uneven growth. Because a child's arm bones are still growing, a fracture in a growth plate — the area where growth occurs near each end of a long bone — can interfere with that bone's normal growth.
- Osteoarthritis. Fractures that extend into a joint can cause arthritis there years later.
- Frozen shoulder. The immobilization required to heal a fracture in the upper arm bone can sometimes result in painfully limited range of motion of the shoulder in all directions.
- Bone infection. If any part of your broken bone protrudes through your skin, it may be exposed to germs that can cause infection. Prompt treatment of this type of fracture is critical.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury. If the upper arm bone (humerus) fractures into two or more pieces, the jagged ends may injure nearby nerves and blood vessels. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any numbness or circulation problems.
References
- Broken arm. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00078. Accessed May 29, 2009.
- Woolfrey KG, et al. Forearm. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/140428056-3/0/1365/125.html. Accessed May 29, 2009.
- Geiderman JM. Humerus and elbow. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/140428056-3/846542240/1365/128.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50054-8--cesec3_1945. Accessed May 29, 2009.
- Forearm fractures in children. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00039. Accessed May 29, 2009.
- Mathison DJ, et al. General principles of fracture management: Fracture patterns and description in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 29, 2009.
- Petron DJ, et al. Distal radius fractures in adults. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 1, 2009.
- Osteoporosis overview. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/overview.pdf. Accessed June. 1, 2009.
- Bassett R. Proximal humeral fractures. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed June 2, 2009.
- Fracture. Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 31st ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2007. http://dorlands.com/def.jsp?id=100042439. Accessed June 2, 2009.
