An elastic (flexible) nail is a smooth, bendable metal rod placed inside the bone to hold a forearm fracture in good position while it heals. It is designed to be removed once healing is confirmed.
This page explains how a recovery after elastic nail fixation of a forearm fracture is commonly managed, in plain language, based on Dr. Kee's typical approach to this injury.
Every fracture is different. Treatment varies based on the exact fracture pattern, displacement, age, whether surgery is needed, bone quality, other injuries, and how an individual heals. This page is general education, not your child's personal treatment plan — always follow the specific instructions given to you by Dr. Kee's office.
An elastic (flexible) nail is a smooth, bendable metal rod placed inside the bone to hold a forearm fracture in good position while it heals. It is designed to be removed once healing is confirmed.
Elastic nails stabilize the bone, but they do not make a healing forearm ready for early impact.
This fracture is generally treated with surgery to stabilize the bone while it heals. Your surgeon will explain the specific technique planned for your fracture pattern.
A long-arm splint (LAS) for about 3 weeks, then it is removed to begin elbow range-of-motion exercises.
No weight bearing (limb use) through the arm for about 6 weeks.
For a full explanation of what these weight-bearing terms mean, see our Weight-Bearing Guide.
No resistance or strengthening (NRM) for about 6 weeks. Elbow motion begins once the splint is removed, around 3 weeks.
Begin guided elbow, wrist, and forearm motion when permitted; formal therapy if motion lags.
An X-ray at 6 weeks to confirm healing and clear the weight-bearing restriction. A return visit around 4–6 months is planned for hardware removal, once your child's surgeon confirms healing (a bridging callus across all three visible sides of the bone on X-ray).
Every fracture moves through the same general phases, though the exact timing is different for every patient:
School: School early with restrictions; no lifting, climbing, or contact activity until union.
Sports or High-Risk Activity: Usually 10–14 weeks, after union and functional motion; protect against refracture.
Infection, migration or prominence of nails, loss of motion, neurovascular symptoms, or delayed union.
See our full When to Call page for the difference between routine office contact and emergency evaluation.
A long-arm splint (LAS) for about 3 weeks, then it is removed to begin elbow range-of-motion exercises.
Your surgeon will guide when it's safe to return to these activities based on how your specific fracture is healing. Follow the instructions given specifically to you.
The elastic nail (flexible rod placed inside the bone during surgery) is typically removed in a short outpatient surgery at 4–6 months, once X-rays confirm solid healing across all three cortices (sides) of the bone.
Every fracture heals differently. If you have questions about your treatment plan, reach out to Dr. Kee's office.