Bowing fracture radius and ulna

Case contributed by Jeremy Jones
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall while running. Apparent forearm deformity. Tender with reduced range of motion at the elbow.

Patient Data

Age: 6
Gender: Male
x-ray

On the AP view, the radius and ulna appear normal. However, on the lateral view, there is bowing of both bones in a volar direction. There is no visible fracture after close inspection of the convex surface. Appearances are of bowing fractures of the radius and ulna.

Case Discussion

Bowing fractures are rarely as obvious as this example. The are usually found in conjunction with a transverse or greenstick fracture of a paired bone. The most common example is a radial greenstick fracture and ulnar bowing fracture.

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