At Salem Health Orthopedics, providers often work with patients recovering from a forearm fracture.

Physician Associate Makenzie James finds that falls are the most common cause of injury that can impact patients of any age. James said this can be a several month recovery.

Creating a care plan

If someone believes they have fractured a forearm, it’s important to quickly seek care.

“They need to be seen pretty urgently, by urgent care, a primary care provider or the emergency room,” James said. “Ideally within 24 hours so they can get proper immobilization. Then, follow up with an orthopedist within a week to determine further treatment options.  The goal is to provide stability and security to prevent the fracture from further displacing or causing secondary injuries.”

The physician associate said possible secondary injuries include fractures in other parts of the wrist or hand, tendon, or nerve injuries.

Once a patient visits Salem Health Orthopedics, James said her team assesses the stability of the fracture and evaluates the need for surgery.

Surgery and recovery

Depending on the age of the patient and the type of forearm fracture, James estimates the need for surgery in adults with these fractures may be high. With pediatric patients these can often be managed non-operatively.

 “Bones typically take about six weeks to heal, so it’s important to get patients in within 10 days to determine a plan of care,” James said. “If surgery is required, patients undergo anesthesia. Either pins or plates and screws are used to stabilize the fracture internally. After surgery, they can expect a cast or splint treatment for about four to six weeks.”

The first post-operative visit is about two weeks after surgery.  At that time a physician associate will ensure that the incision or wound site is healing appropriately. Patients are also enrolled in hand therapy.

“With any type of fracture or hand injury, people realize how often they use their hands. People then have to make adjustments to get through their daily life,” James said. “For adults who are working, it can be pretty debilitating to their daily living.”

The physician associate notes forearm fractures can also impact someone’s overall mental health.

“This can be a temporarily life-altering injury. They must figure out how to take care of their children, animals or themselves,” she said.

At Salem Health, James said the hand team is prepared to navigate patients through every step of recovery.

“We really enjoy seeing them make it to the finish line,” she said.

Care at Salem Health

Are you recovering from a forearm fracture? Salem Health Orthopedics has the largest group of surgeons in the mid-Willamette Valley specifically trained in treatment of hand and wrist conditions — and, with two new Physician Associates, there are often appointment openings the same day.  

Click here to learn more about care with Salem Health Orthopedics.