My son broke his hand, any advice?

Kindly attach the x rays

At 16 years of age, forearm fractures can still heal very well, but the amount of bone remodelling is less than in a younger child. Therefore, the alignment after reduction is important. If the radius and ulna have been brought into a satisfactory position and that position remains stable in the plaster, surgery may not be required. The usual approach is exactly what has been advised — reduction and plaster followed by a repeat X-ray after about 5–7 days to ensure that the fracture has not shifted. If the alignment is lost or remains unacceptable, fixation with plates/nails may then be recommended. Surgery should therefore be decided based on the fracture pattern and follow-up X-rays rather than simply because a fracture is present. The arm/forearm position inside the plaster should not be changed at home. The position of rotation (palm up/down/neutral) depends on the level and pattern of the fracture and is chosen by the treating orthopaedic surgeon to maintain the reduction.

Repeat the X-ray as advised, preferably including the entire forearm with wrist and elbow, and have the post-reduction alignment reviewed by an orthopaedic surgeon. If you can upload the before- and after-reduction X-rays, the likelihood of successful plaster treatment can be assessed more specifically.

Keep the arm elevated for the first few days and encourage gentle finger movements. Seek urgent review if there is increasing pain despite medication, excessive swelling, numbness, inability to move the fingers, or fingers becoming pale/blue/cold. With appropriate treatment and maintained alignment, full or near-full recovery is expected in most adolescents, whether managed in plaster or surgically.

Share X rays and get personalised consultation done