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Home / Specialties / Hand & Wrist / ORIF of the Forearm Fractures

Forearm Fracture Surgery: ORIF Treatment for Radius & Ulna Injuries

To help you discuss ORIF as a treatment option for a forearm fracture with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of this surgical procedure.

What Are Forearm Fractures?

A break in both or either of the bones of the forearm is known as a forearm fracture. Forearm fractures can occur near the wrist, near the elbow, or in the middle of the forearm. A forearm fracture affects the ability to rotate the arm, as well as bend and straighten the wrist and elbow.

Forearm fractures may occur in several ways, such as:

  • Fall on an outstretched arm
  • Direct blow to the forearm
  • A high-impact collision, such as motor vehicle accident
  • Contact sports

Signs and symptoms of a forearm fracture may include:

  • Intense pain
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Deformity of the forearm
  • Numbness or weakness
  • Inability to rotate the arm
  • Tenderness to touch

Non-surgical treatment options for forearm fractures include placing the fractured forearm in a cast or brace for 4 to 6 weeks using a sling to keep the arm in the proper position. 

If non-surgical treatment is not successful, or the forearm fracture is severe, the orthopedic surgeon may recommend ORIF.

What Is ORIF of Forearm Fracture Surgery? 

ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation) is a surgical technique to restore normal anatomy and improve range of motion and function following a forearm fracture.

What Is the Procedure for ORIF of Forearm Fracture Surgery?

The orthopedic surgeon will perform ORIF of forearm fracture surgery according to the following procedure: 

  • The orthopedic surgeon will make an incision over the site of the fracture.
  • The surgeon will locate the fracture by carefully sliding in between the muscles of the forearm.
  •  The surgeon will reposition the bone fragments into their normal alignment, in a process known as reduction. 
  • The surgeon will hold the fragments of bone in place with wires, screws, pins, or metal plates attached to the outside of the bone, in a process known as fixation.
  • The surgeon will secure the bone, and close the incisions using sutures or staples. 

What Happens After ORIF of Forearm Fracture Surgery? 

Following ORIF of forearm fracture surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will provide the following postoperative care instructions: 

  • Take prescribed pain medication as needed
  • Keep the forearm in a short splint for support and protection.
  • Keep the arm immobile for several weeks with the aid of a sling to allow bone healing.
  • Perform physical therapy to prevent forearm stiffness, strengthen muscles, and restore range of motion.
  • Follow a healthy diet and supplements high in vitamin D and calcium to promote bone healing.
  • Attend scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor progress, and to remove stitches or staples, if necessary. 

What Are the Risks and Complications of ORIF for Forearm Fracture Surgery?

As with any surgery, some of the potential risks and complications of ORIF of forearm fractures may include infection, shoulder stiffness, hardware irritation, broken hardware, need for repeat surgery, or injury to surrounding nerves or soft tissues.

Severe forearm fractures require expertise and experience. Find out if ORIF with OINT is right for your forearm fracture surgery.