CURRENT CONCEPTS IN ADULTS UPPER EXTREMITY FRACTURES

21452Ugur_TiftikciCurrent_Consept_in_adults.kapak

ANATOMY, EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION OF FOREARM FRACTURES

Atakan Erdoğan

Hınıs Şehit Yavuz Yürekseven State Hospital, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Erzurum, Türkiye

Erdoğan A. Anatomy, Epidemiology and Classification of Forearm Fractures. In: Tiftikçi U, Erdoğan E, Ergün C, Güneş Z, editors. Current Concepts in Adults Upper Extremity Fractures. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.219-225.

ABSTRACT

Forearm; it refers to the area between the elbow and wrist, consisting of two bones called radius and ulna. These two bones articulating from the upper and lower parts; they are parallel to each other in anatomical position. The basic function of the forearm is supination and pronation. The forearm’s joint range of motion is about 160 to 180 degrees. The main rotating bone in these movements is the radius. Radial bowing, when the forearm is in supination, controls the stability of the interosseous membrane and, consequently, the forearm. All these features have caused forearm fractures to be considered equivalent to intra-articular fractures, and anatomical reduction, stable fixation and early movement initiation have been recommended in their treatment. Forearm bone diaphyseal injuries basically occur when indirect force is transferred to the forearm bones as a result of falling on the outstretched hand. Since the deforming force passes through the radius first, the radius usually breaks first, and then if the force continues to be transferred, the ulna bone may also break. The amount of rotation changes the shape, level, and direction of the angulation of the fracture. During the reduction of forearm fractures, the attachment points of the forearm muscles and their effects on bone structures should be taken into consideration. Forearm bone diaphyseal fractures are estimated to be one tenth as common as distal radius fractures. The majority of diaphyseal fractures of the forearm bones are caused by motor vehicle accidents. Male gender is dominant in all age groups. There is no single existing classification that examines all variables. In daily practice, forearm diaphyseal fractures are classified according to their region (upper, middle and lower) or fracture fragmentation. The AO/OTA (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopedic Trauma Association) classification is the most frequently utilized system for classifying diaphyseal fractures of the forearm. Because they affect the body of the forearm, they are identified by the number “22” (2 to the forearm, 2 to the trunk). Type A fractures are simple fractures, Type B fractures are wedge fractures, and Type C fractures are more complex (multi-fragment or segmental) fractures. Types A and B can involve the ulna, radius, or both bones, while Type C fractures include both bones.

Keywords: Forearm Injury; Interosseous membrane; Anatomy; Epidemiology; Classification

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