The evaluation of an arm injury begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in those with an arm injury may include:

• Arm bruising
• Arm deformity
• Arm swelling
• Arm tenderness
• Inability to move the arm
• Inability to use the arm
• Poor capillary refill to the fingers
• Tenderness over a bone

Testing is required to detect an arm fracture and determine its severity. Occasionally, further imaging is required to evaluate an arm injury.

Tests that may be used to evaluate an arm injury include:

• Extremity x-rays
• MRI
• Nuclear bone scan

For more information:

• Shoulder injury evaluation
• Elbow injury evaluation
• Forearm fracture evaluation
• Wrist injury evaluation
• Hand injury evaluation