Distal radius fractures are one of the most common types of bone fractures. They occur at the end of the radius bone near the wrist. Depending on the angle of the break, distal radius fractures can be classified into two types: Colles or Smith. Falls are the main cause of distal radius fractures.

How do you know if you have a distal radius fracture?

1. Immediate sharp pain after the accident takes place. ...
2. You may experience abnormal swelling and tenderness in the wrist immediately that only worsens.
3. A numbness that doesn't allow you to move your fingers or hand.
4. Deformed forearm or wrist.

Is a distal radius fracture a broken wrist?

Therefore, the medical term for the most common type of "broken wrist" is a distal radius fracture (that is, the larger forearm bone is broken near the wrist). This kind of fracture is very common. In fact, the radius is the most commonly broken bone in the arm.

How long does it take for a distal radius fracture to heal?

Fractures of the distal radius usually need about 4-6 weeks for clinical bone healing, though sometimes it can take longer. It may take another 6-12 months to regain motion, strength, and function. Many people find they are resuming most of their daily activities about 3-4 months after a broken wrist.

Is a distal radius fracture a broken arm?

The most common type of fracture is a break of the radius bone, a long forearm bone. This is known as a distal radius fracture. when there is a break in the radius bone. A distal radius fracture occurs near the wrist joint on the thumb side, and it is typically the result of a fall onto an outstretched arm.

Distal Radius Fractures - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim

When does a distal radius fracture need surgery?

Distal Radius Fracture Repair with Volar Plate Procedure

If a patient experiences an open distal radius fracture, in which the bone becomes visible through the skin, the surgery must be performed within 8 hours of the initial injury to prevent further damage.

How long does pain last after distal radius?

This study demonstrated that the normal course of recovery following a distal radius fracture is one where severe symptoms subside within the first two-months and the majority of patients can be expected to have minimal pain and disability by six-months following fracture.

Why am I so tired after breaking my wrist?

It is not uncommon for a person to feel dizzy or groggy after breaking a bone and sometimes people feel cold as their body goes into shock. Within a few hours of your bone breaking, the body forms a clot around the break. Immune system cells in the blood clot get rid of germs that may have entered.

Should I wear a sling with a broken wrist?

After a fracture: A shoulder fracture, elbow fracture, or wrist fracture may require that you wear a sling. 1 It is important after a fracture to immobilize your arm to ensure that the bones heal properly. The sling keeps your arm still and in place to be sure this occurs.

Can I drive with a broken wrist?

At this time, there are no distinct rules regarding exact timeframes or circumstances for clearing patients to return to driving after a wrist fracture. Many people will be advised not to drive until the cast is removed and until you are able to use your hand comfortably for other daily functional activities.

What type of splint is used for a distal radius fracture?

Use of a short arm radial gutter splint is recommended for initial immobilization of a displaced distal radial fracture.

Can you move your wrist if it's fractured?

When the wrist is broken, there is pain and swelling. It can be hard to move or use the hand and wrist. Some people can still move or use the hand or wrist even if there is a broken bone. Swelling or a bone out of place can make the wrist appear deformed.

What causes distal radial fracture?

Cause. The most common cause of a distal radius fracture is a fall onto an outstretched arm. Osteoporosis (a disorder in which bones become very fragile and more likely to break) can make a relatively minor fall result in a broken wrist.

When will my broken wrist stop hurting?

A cast might be needed for six to eight weeks, and sometimes even longer depending on the severity of the break. More severe breaks may take as long as six months to fully heal. Discomfort or pain may continue for months or even years after your injury.

Why do fingers swell with broken wrist?

“In most cases, the swelling of fingers in a context of wrist fracture is caused by a bandage that's too tight.

How should I sleep with a broken wrist?

Invest in a specialized pillow, like a body pillow, for elevation—keeping the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows.

What is the difference between a wrist splint and a wrist brace?

Wrist splints are a lot like wrist braces, but they have a rigid splint to restrict motion for extra support. While they may not always offer complete relief, they do minimize pressure on nerves while supporting and stabilizing your wrist for quicker healing.

How do you know a fracture is healing?

1. What You Experience During Healing. The following steps are what you will go through as your broken bone is healing:
2. Pain Decreases. ...
3. Range of Motion Increases. ...
4. Swelling Goes Down. ...
5. Bruising Subsides. ...
6. Orthopedic Clinic in Clinton Township, MI.

Why does broken wrist hurt more at night?

During the night, there is a drop in the stress hormone cortisol which has an anti-inflammatory response. There is less inflammation, less healing, so the damage to bone due to the above conditions accelerates in the night, with pain as the side-effect.

Do you need physical therapy after broken wrist?

Distal radius fractures—as these injuries are called—are often serious and may require surgery, but regardless of what treatment is needed, physical therapy will be essential to ensure that you have a complete recovery.

Is distal radius surgery painful?

Occasionally, after surgery to repair a badly fractured distal radius, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can occur. Be warned – initially the surgery is painful. We try to numb the affected area for about 24 hours after surgery, and then after that the patient will probably feel some discomfort for a few days.

Should I wear a wrist brace after cast removal?

You should have been given a removable splint when your cast was removed. Continue to wear this at night and for protection in busy environments, such as on public transport. It is important to start wrist exercises as soon as the cast is removed.

How do you stretch your wrist after casting?

1. Extend the arm with the affected wrist in front of you and point your fingers toward the floor.
2. With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
3. Hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
4. Repeat 2 to 4 times.