Arm, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Injuries/Conditions

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Broken Forearm

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: Arm, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Injuries/Conditions
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about arm, elbow, wrist & hand injuries/conditions.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=176
Printed Date: Nov 23 2024 at 6:29pm
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Topic: Broken Forearm

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: Broken Forearm
Date Posted: Jul 08 2008 at 5:04pm

Ask a PT

156 Posts

Posted - 05/27/2008 : 11:12:42 Show Profile Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "I fell off a horse two years ago and broke my ulna and radius. I believe I broke the styloid process completely off and the surgeon left it alone. I also broke the widest part of my radius (closest to my wrist) in half. It required emergency surgery to implant a plate, pins and screws. My surgeon left the hardware in. Two years later the hardware is still bothering me. When I run, my hand gets hot and numb feeling. Sometimes, I feel a nerve (?) pop over the plate and my finger go numb and a pain shoots up my arm. In general it is sore and if I hit it it hurts. I am very active and feel the need to wear a wrist brace when I play tennis or field hockey for added support. Anyway, what I am wondering is if the soreness/numbness is normal and if I should consider revisiting some orthopedic surgeons regarding the removal of the plates. Thank you for your help."

Ask a PT Response: "In a case such as yours, hardware is needed to be implanted in order to stabilize your arm. Every physician and surgical procedure is unique, but some physicians do remove the hardware after a certain time period. Since you are experiencing symptoms in your arm, I would recommend that you make a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to discuss these symptoms. The cause of these symptoms may or may not be alleviated by removing the hardware. The orthopedic surgeon will be able to best tell you what the next step should be toward alleviating these symptoms. Whether or not you have the hardware removed, Physical Therapy may be helpful too. Physical Therapy may help by using soft tissue mobilization, stretching, and exercises. The goal of PT would be to decrease your symptoms, increase your mobility, and increase your strength. Since you are very active, PT will help you continue to be active in your various sports.

So, in summary, I would recommend you consult your orthopedic surgeon, and then you can ask about receiving some Physical Therapy too."