Hand & Wrist Center of Houston Home If you suspect broken bones, dislocated joints, lacerated tendons, lacerated nerves, infection, or have an open wound below the elbow, then call us immediately.
 
FOREARM FRACTURES


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The two forearm bones, radius and ulna, have a special relationship with a shared joint at each end (elbow and wrist). The natural curve of the bones must be maintained or else full rotation of the forearm cannot be achieved. For all but absolutely non-displaced fractures surgical fixation is necessary. If much swelling accompanies the injury, a critical pressure can develop in the forearm that must be surgically released immediately.

MEDICAL HISTORY

Patients notice the unstable forearm and the need for splint support. Typical symptoms include pain, swelling, and deformity.

EXAMINATION

The doctor will evaluate for critical swelling that must be surgically released. If not an issue, each nerve and tendon is checked for function.

ADDITIONAL TESTS: Plain x-rays are sufficient. Only very rare fractures will show no displacement at all.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

 NON-OPERATIVESURGICAL
CONSISTS OFSplint then castPlates and screws, rarely rods
FEATURESRuns from above the elbow to the handPlates and screws can be removed later if desired
ADVANTAGESAvoids surgeryRestores normal anatomy
DISADVANTAGESOnly works if fracture is entirely non-displaced and very naturally stableSignificant incisions for plates, less if a rod is used

RECOVERY

With the stability of plates and screws, no outside splinting is needed. The patient can return to functions much sooner with surgery than without. Light everyday activities can be done immediately after surgery. Once the bone heals around 8-10 weeks, the patient will need to do some therapy to regain forearm rotation and wrist motion. Contact sports do not usually resume until around 3-4 months after surgery.
 
 
 
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  • great job!!! - 01/26/11
  • Wonderful experience very impressed with the care and accuracy they showed to my dad...Thanks - 01/12/11
  • great staff and service - 02/11/11
  • Very greatful the staff took care of me was thankful they all showed so much care. hopefully i dont have to come back but if i do i knonw i will get treated with outstanding care. - 08/25/11
  • THE DOCTOR AND STAFF ARE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS!!! - 03/03/11
  • Very impressed by every aspect of my visit from the friendliness of everyone to how quickly I was treated. I would definitely recommend this doctor and facility to others. - 12/29/11
  • if everybody worked like dr mark henry and his staff the us would be debt free congragulations guys i was really impressed. - 11/16/11
  • very good staff - 12/07/11
  • Absolutey the best place to come if you have any hand issues. - 12/07/11
  • Dr Henry did a wonderfull job and fixed the problems I had with no pain or worry. - 01/17/11
  • I had surgery on both hands and I am really impressed with the results of my hands. Thanks Dr. Henry - 08/08/11
  • Another successful visit, thank you. - 02/08/12
  • I NOT ONLY LIKED DR. HENRY, BUT ALL OF THE STAFF THAT I MET WERE VERY NICE. I WOULD CERTAINLY RECOMMEND DR. MARK HENRY TO MY FRIENDS. - 02/25/11
  • Fantastic team! - 03/09/11
  • I will miss everyone here, but I am pleased with my healing process and happy with my recovery. - 01/12/11
  • Dr. Henry and his staff are remarkable..very organized and informed. Everyone, including Dr. Henry, is both professional and friendly. I would and have recommended this office to anyone!! Thank you! - 08/02/11
  • I am super happy with my experience and the outcome of my situation. I would definitely recommend this practice to friends with similar situations. - 02/07/12
  • You guys are awesome!!! Very happy with service!!! - 04/08/11
  • The staff are always professional and courteous. Often very helpful...Very grateful. Thanks - 12/01/11
  • Overall the Doctor and Staff has been outstanding - 01/23/12
  • I have seen 4 other physicians...for my finger laceration and NONE of them explained my condition, options and the science behind the injury as well as Dr. Mark Henry. - 01/05/11
  • Luis was extremely helpful and professional assisting me, a NCM, with my problem. Please give him a cookie or a raise. - 09/20/11
  • Always a great experience. - 01/13/12
  • My visit was pleasant; the staff are great. - 01/10/11
  • This has been a wonderful experience for me with great outcome - 11/21/11
  • great service with fantastic results - 08/25/11
  • I am very pleased with the service received from Dr. Henry. He is a very great doctor. - 09/19/11
  • ...I believe Dr. Henry is the best and has made a huge difference in our medical situations. I have referred many people and would continue to come until he retires - 11/28/11
  • staff in this clinic are very nice and friendly - 03/02/11
  • amazing (: - 11/07/11
  • All the staff is great, they all do an outstanding job and make me feel welcomed every time i come in. - 01/21/11
  • I will definately recommend Dr. Henry to anyone who has hand and/or wrist problems. Very personable and professional as well as thorough !!! - 04/01/11
  • Dr. Henry is remarkable along with his staff and his practice. I recomend Dr. Henry to my friends and co-workers. - 05/18/11
  • This entire experience thus far has been amazing. The staff has been great and very helpful. Thank you hand and wrist center. - 08/02/11
  • Glad i came to see the wrist center for a second opinion. i feel i am being cared for by the best in the area and i will be able to resume my life. - 01/27/12
  • We loved Dr. Henry! He made my 8 year old son feel very comfortable during a tough time. - 11/29/11
  • l staff is considerate and friendly! We love everyone! - 11/16/11
  • Thank you for your kind assistance during my visit. - 11/30/11
  • Very informative - 11/30/11
  • Thanks for eveything! - 09/12/11
  • I've already recommended others to Dr. Henry because of his outstanding abilities to take care of his patients and his excellent staff of professionals. - 02/08/12
  • Outstanding from start. Already recommended to friend - 12/19/11
  • i am from beaumont tx and i would come back any time - 11/17/11
  • ... I like the office and exam rooms--unique ... - 01/04/11
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