Outlook

The majority of fractures heal and normal arm movement is restored.

Many of these factors based on the individual injury and medical history may determine the final outcome of a broken bone:

• Earlier treatment usually improves results.
  
  
• Fractures in younger children and adolescents tend to heal better.
  
  
• Fractures that have multiple breaks, involve a joint, have open wounds, or become infected could have healing complications.
  
  
• Older adults have increased chance of losing some ability or movement in the broken arm.
  
  
• Chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and diabetes may slow the healing process.