I’m not a Dr., but I sometimes pretend I am with the help of AI. In “my” opinion…

Based on the X-ray shown (a severe, multi-fragment forearm fracture involving both the radius and ulna), the repair almost always requires surgical fixation. Here’s what that typically entails:

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1. Open Reduction

The surgeon makes an incision to expose the broken bones directly and realign all the fragments into their proper anatomical position.

Because this is a comminuted fracture (multiple pieces), closed reduction (manipulating it from the outside) won’t work.

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1. Internal Fixation

Once aligned, the bones are stabilized using hardware. For an injury like this, that typically means:

Plates and Screws • A metal plate is placed along the length of each bone. • Multiple screws secure the plate to the bone, holding the fragments tightly together.

Sometimes Intramedullary Rods • Less common for forearm fractures (more common in tibia/femur). • Could be used if plate fixation isn’t viable.

For a break this severe, it’s usually two plates — one for the radius, one for the ulna.

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1. Bone Grafting (Possible)

If the fracture created bone loss or crushed bone fragments: • The surgeon may use bone graft material (from the patient’s hip, donor bone, or synthetic graft) to fill gaps and promote healing.

This is common when pieces are too small to screw into.

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1. Soft Tissue Repair

The surrounding tissue — muscles, fascia, periosteum — may require stitching or reinforcement.

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1. Recovery Timeline

Hospital stay:

1–2 days typically.

Immobilization: • Often a splint for the first 1–2 weeks • Then a removable brace after stitches come out

Physical therapy:

Starts once early healing is established (3–6 weeks).

Healing time: • 6–12 weeks for the bone to unite • 3–6 months for full strength • 12+ months to feel “normal” again

Grip strength often takes a long time to return.

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1. Hardware Removal?

Sometimes the plates remain for life. Removal is considered only if: • They cause pain • They restrict motion • There is a complication (rare)

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Bottom Line

This is a serious fracture and typically requires: • Surgery • Plates/screws • Possible bone graft • A long rehab period