Forearm shaft fracture (radius and ulna) on X‑ray: 8 real cases

Real, openly licensed radiographs showing forearm shaft fracture (radius and ulna). Study what to look for, then open each case and read it yourself before revealing the answer.

What to look for

Fractures through the shafts of both the radius and ulna.
The forearm acts as a ring: always image the elbow and wrist to look for an associated dislocation (Monteggia, Galeazzi).
Describe displacement, angulation and any comminution.

Learn: Forearm fractures

Quiz yourself on upper limb images

Cases

$Radiograph from the case bank: Forearm shaft fracture (radius and ulna)$ Case #17344835Upper limb · Beginner $Radiograph from the case bank: Forearm shaft fracture (radius and ulna)$ Case #17344837Upper limb · Beginner $Radiograph from the case bank: Forearm shaft fracture (radius and ulna)$ Case #17745765Upper limb · Beginner $Radiograph from the case bank: Forearm shaft fracture (radius and ulna)$ Case #108067870Upper limb · Beginner $Radiograph from the case bank: Forearm shaft fracture (radius and ulna)$ Case #49213089Upper limb · Beginner $Radiograph from the case bank: Forearm shaft fracture (radius and ulna)$ Case #17316125Upper limb · Beginner $Radiograph from the case bank: Forearm shaft fracture (radius and ulna)$ Case #37511545Upper limb · Beginner $Radiograph from the case bank: Forearm shaft fracture (radius and ulna)$ Case #20026597Upper limb · Beginner

Other upper limb diagnoses

Diagnoses come from each image's documented source. Credits and licences are shown on each case and on the image credits page.