Signs and symptoms of a distal radius fracture
- Immediate pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Loss of function
- Visible deformity/limp wrist
The distal radius comprises around 80 percent of the wrist joint surface making it extremely vulnerable to fracture. During a fall or accident the natural reaction is to outstretch your hand to soften the impact to prevent injury. However, this is precisely the action that results in a fracture to the distal radius, as it bears almost your full weight on impact with the ground.
Types of fractures to the distal radius
There are five main types of fractures that can occur in the distal radius and these vary in severity from minor, with little pain, to severe, with extreme pain.
Your specialist will examine your wrist to evaluate the extent of your injury and help establish whether there may be the possibility of an associated ligament injury or carpal bone fracture (for example a scaphoid fracture).
X-rays will help to make an accurate diagnosis and assess the severity of the injury, as well as any displacement of the fracture. In severe injuries that may involve the joint of carpal bones, a computerised tomography (CT) scan is often used to help plan the most effective treatment.
Many wrist fractures that are minimally or not displaced may be effectively treated in a plaster cast. The position of the fracture during healing, however, may need to be closely monitored with repeat X-rays at intervals to make sure that the fracture is healing appropriately in the correct position.
Sometimes, the position of the bone is so much out of place that it cannot be corrected or remain corrected in a cast. This has the potential of interfering with the future functioning of your arm. In this case, surgery may be required.
Depending on the fracture, there are a number of options for holding the bone in the correct position whilst e it heals:
If your fracture is treated in a cast, typically it remains in place for a period of six weeks. After it is removed, you will benefit from rehabilitation supervised by a hand therapist. Whilst the cast is on you will not be able to drive.
If your fracture is treated surgically, you will be seen by a hand therapist and will start early movement of your hand and wrist. You will not be able to drive until you can grip a steering wheel strongly, which may take up to six weeks or more. You may be able to return to office duties after one week, but in a restricted capacity, especially if your injured wrist is your dominant hand. You will not be able to perform heavy duties or lift items of any significant weight until six weeks after surgery. Surgery, however, will ensure that the fracture heals in a better position and may allow for earlier return of function.
Our hand surgeons are highly experienced and expertly skilled leaders in all aspects of hand and wrist conditions. From the moment you begin your patient journey with us, you are treated as a partner in your care and your specialist will ensure you return to normal function, as soon as possible.
Schoen Clinic Orthopaedic and Spinal Hospital London is at the forefront of treating conditions of the hand and wrist. With expert and rapid diagnosis, you benefit from a treatment plan that is tailored to you, ensuring you receive the best outcome.
66 Wigmore Street
London W1U 2SB
Tel: +44 20 3929 0801