Forearm Fracture Experts in San Antonio

What is forearm fracture?

A forearm fracture occurs when one or both of the bones in the forearm, the radius and the ulna, break. These bones are essential for arm strength, rotation, and stability, connecting the elbow to the wrist. A fracture may be simple, meaning a clean break, or complex, involving multiple fragments. Forearm fractures can affect anyone, but are especially common in children, athletes, and people who fall onto an outstretched arm. Without proper treatment, they can lead to stiffness, limited motion, or long-term weakness.

Need advanced care after a serious forearm fracture? At The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, our skilled surgeons provide specialized treatment to realign broken bones, restore strength, and protect long-term function. With advanced techniques and personalized care plans, we help you heal properly and get back to what matters most.

Types of Forearm Fractures

  • Radius fractures

    Breaks in the larger bone of the forearm, often near the wrist, usually caused by falling on an outstretched hand.

  • Ulna fractures

    Breaks in the smaller bone of the forearm, sometimes called “nightstick fractures” because they can happen when the arm is used to block a direct hit.

  • Both-bone fractures

    When both the radius and ulna are broken at the same time, it often makes the arm look bent or out of place.

  • Pediatric fractures

    Greenstick fractures, where the bone bends and cracks, and buckle fractures, where the bone compresses and bulges, are common types of incomplete fractures in children.

Common symptoms of forearm fractures:

When a forearm bone breaks, it can cause a number of noticeable symptoms, including:

  • Sudden pain and swelling

  • Bruising or visible deformity of the forearm

  • Difficulty rotating the wrist or turning the palm

  • Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers

common causes of forearm fractures:

  • Falling onto an outstretched arm

  • Sports injuries from collisions, tackles, or direct blows

  • Motor vehicle accidents

  • Workplace or heavy-lifting injuries

  • Play-related accidents in children

  • Age-related bone weakness in older adults

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a specialist promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can be instrumental in preventing further damage and minimizing long-term complications.

Treatment Options for Forearm fractures

Non-Surgical Treatments -

  • Splinting, casting, or bracing

  • Gentle realignment (closed reduction) when needed

  • Swelling and pain management

Surgical Treatments -

  • Open reduction with plates and screws

  • External fixation in certain trauma cases

  • Early motion protocols to restore rotation and strength

Rehabilitation -

Our Certified Hand Therapists guide recovery with custom splints, exercises, and progressive rehab plans designed to get you back to work, sports, and daily life.

forearm fracture doctors san antonio at the hand and upper extremity center
Forearm Fractures San Antonio at the Hand Center of San Antonio
San Antonio Forearm Fractures at the Hand Center of San Antonio
Forearm Fractures San Antonio at the Hand Center of San Antonio
Forearm Fractures San Antonio at the Hand Center of San Antonio
forearm fracture doctors san antonio at the hand and upper extremity center
Forearm Fractures San Antonio at the Hand Center of San Antonio
Forearm Fractures San Antonio at the Hand Center of San Antonio

Why Choose The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for forearm fracture Treatment?

Our team at The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio is dedicated to guiding patients through every step of their recovery from forearm fractures. Our physicians bring over 100 years of combined experience, with expertise in treating injuries to the radius and ulna across multiple training backgrounds. In addition to your surgeon, you may work with our skilled orthopaedic fellows, who have advanced training in fracture management. Our team also includes compassionate front desk staff, medical assistants, x-ray technicians, and cast technicians, all focused on your comfort and ensuring the best possible outcome throughout your treatment journey.

Meet Our Physicians

OTHER Reconstructive & Trauma ISSUES WE CAN HELP WITH

  • Skin Grafts

  • Tendon Repair or Transfer

  • Nerve Repair

  • Joint and Ligament Reconstruction

  • Trigger Finger Surgery

  • Polydactyly Correction

  • Osteotomy

  • Dupuytren’s Contracture

Did you know we offer in-house therapy?

Hand therapy is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.

Forearm Fractures San Antonio at the Hand Center of San Antonio

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