A distal radius fracture (commonly referred to as a broken wrist) is one of the most frequent bone injuries affecting people of all ages. Learn more about how this condition is diagnosed and treated.
If you’re experiencing wrist pain or suspect a fracture, our specialists at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville provide expert evaluation and personalized treatment plans. Our experienced orthopaedic team in Zanesville, Ohio, offers both nonsurgical and surgical solutions designed to help you recover safely and return to your daily activities. Contact us today.
A fracture of the distal radius refers to the bone and location of the break. The radius is the larger forearm bone; the other is the ulna. The radius ends on the thumb side of the wrist, as opposed to the pinky, where the ulnar ends. The distal radius works closely with the carpal bones of the wrist to allow for movement and flexibility.
A distal fracture refers to the location, occurring closer to the wrist rather than the elbow. This type of fracture usually occurs about 1 inch from the wrist. A distal fracture is one of the most commonly broken bones in the arm and can occur in people of all ages.
The common types of distal radial fractures include the following:
Sometimes a distal ulna fracture may occur at the same time as the radius.
Many distal radius fractures are caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. Risk factors that contribute to this type of cause include being over 60 or having osteoporosis. This is because weak bones increase the possibility of a fracture. When bones are weak, a fall from a standing position can be enough to break the bone.
Younger patients with healthy bones can also break their wrists in high-energy trauma events, such as in the following examples:
In addition to age and osteoporosis, other risk factors include poor balance, certain medications, and other conditions that affect bone strength.
A broken wrist usually causes immediate pain in the wrist. This is followed by swelling and tenderness at the joint. You may also notice a deformity at the wrist.
In severe cases, there may be some nerve damage at the wrist. This can cause additional symptoms like numbness in the fingers. This is a medical emergency and requires treatment before there is permanent damage to the nerves. Pale fingers are another symptom that would require immediate treatment.
Your doctor will likely confirm the fracture with an X-ray. X-rays can indicate breaks, gaps between the breaks, and determine how many pieces of broken bones there are. For more complex fractures, a CT scan may be recommended.
The method of treating a broken wrist is to realign the broken pieces and hold them in position until the fracture heals. Your orthopaedic surgeon will recommend treatment based on the type and severity of the fracture.
When the bones are in a good position, your doctor will usually recommend nonsurgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment may include the following:
Surgical treatment will be recommended when closed reduction cannot be used to realign the broken bones and/or if a cast cannot keep the bones properly aligned. Severe fractures that involve multiple bone fragments will likely need fixation to keep the bones aligned. A combination of the following surgical treatments may be used:
If you have an open fracture, you will require urgent surgery. The wound is thoroughly cleaned out, and either external or internal fixation is used to keep the bone fragments in position.
A distal radius fracture can significantly impact your daily life, but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help ensure the best possible recovery. Whether your injury requires immobilization, physical therapy, or surgical care, working with experienced orthopaedic specialists is essential for restoring strength, mobility, and function.
If you believe you may have a broken wrist or are experiencing persistent wrist pain, contact Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville in Zanesville, OH, today to schedule an appointment. Our dedicated team in Zanesville, OH, is ready to help you begin your recovery and get back to the activities you enjoy.
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A distal radius fracture typically causes immediate wrist pain, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty moving the wrist. In some cases, the wrist may appear deformed. If you experience numbness, tingling, or pale fingers, seek medical attention immediately.
Most distal radius fractures occur from a fall onto an outstretched hand. Other causes include car accidents, sports injuries, falls from height, and bike accidents. Risk factors such as osteoporosis, age, and poor balance may increase the likelihood of injury.
No. Many fractures can be treated with nonsurgical options like splints, casts, and closed reduction. However, severe fractures, unstable breaks, or fractures involving multiple bone fragments may require surgical treatment.
You should see a specialist as soon as possible if you suspect a fracture. Early diagnosis helps ensure proper healing and reduces the risk of complications. The team at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville provides expert evaluation and personalized treatment options to help you recover safely.
