About distal radius fractures
What is a distal radius fracture?
· There are ten bones in the wrist: 8 small marble-like bones (carpal bones) and the ends of two large long bones (the radius and ulna)
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· Distal radius fractures involve the end of the radius bone. The end of the ulna is often fractured at the same time, but this is less often a cause for concern.
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· A fracture and a break are the same thing.
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Wrist bones
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Distal radius fracture
Why do distal radius fractures occur?
· Distal radius fractures are very common in older adults. That's because as we age, our bone becomes weaker. When the bone is weaker, even a low energy force can cause it to break. One of the most common ways older adults get a distal radius fracture is to fall from a standing height onto an outstretched hand.
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· If you fractured your distal radius due to a fall from a standing height or other low energy injury, you may want to ask your primary care doctor about bone density testing to look for osteopenia or osteoporosis (weakened bone).
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· Individuals with strong, healthy bones can also get distal radius fractures. This is typically due to higher energy injuries, like ski injuries, falls from a height, and motor vehicle accidents.
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How are distal radius fractures treated?
· Some fractures just require a cast. The cast is usually worn for 4-6 weeks.
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· Some fractures are treated with "closed reduction". That means that you will be given numbing medication and/or sedation and then a doctor will push on the bone to "set" it in a better position. You will then be placed in a splint. This procedure is usually performed in the emergency department. If this is successful, regular x-rays are required afterwords to make sure that the bone stays in a good position.
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· Some fractures require surgery. This usually entails placement of a plate and screws in the operating room.
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What does surgery entail?
· Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis under a brachial plexus block. It usually takes 30-60 minutes.
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· Most often, an incision is made along the palmar surface of the forearm, the bone is realigned, and a plate and screws are placed to hold the bone in the realigned position. The skin is then closed. However, certain fractures require different techniques.
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· Most patients cannot feel the plate and screws. They can be removed in the future after the bone is healed, though this is usually not needed.
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· More information about recovering from distal radius fracture surgery is available here.
Before surgery
After surgery
How long will it take for me to recover from distal radius fracture surgery?
· Most patients are back to normal day-to-day activities with minimal discomfort by three months after their injury.
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· Some patients with simpler fractures are feeling back to normal even earlier. However, for those with more severe fractures, recovery can be slower, and some residual loss of motion and strength is common. Many of these patients are continuing to make gains in motion and strength even a full year after their injury.
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Is there anything I can do to speed bone healing?
· Following your doctor's instructions and eating a well-balanced diet are important to help your bone heal properly. It is particularly important to make sure you are getting the correct amount of calcium and Vitamin D in your diet, as these nutrients play a critical role in bone health.
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· Smoking tobacco is very bad for bone healing and is strongly discouraged.
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