Advanced Orthopaedic Institute - Arlington, Washington

A fracture is the most common arm injury. About one in every 20 fractures involve the upper arm bone (humerus). Children are more likely to break the lower arm bones (radius and ulna).

Falling on an outstretched hand or being in a car crash or some other type of accident is usually the cause of a broken arm.

Most people know right away if their arm is broken, because there may be a snap or a loud cracking sound. The broken arm may appear deformed and be swollen, bruised, and bleeding.

A person with a broken arm usually has:

Extreme pain at the site of the injury.
Pain increased by any movement.
Loss of normal use of the arm.

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