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Distal fracture of the Radius (Wrist fracture)

Distal fracture of the Radius (Wrist fracture)

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What is a distal radius fracture?

The radius is one of the bones of the forearm and is located on the side of the thumb. When the radius bone is broken near the wrist, it is called a distal radius fracture.

The fracture is usually caused by a fall on an outstretched or bent hand.

Depending on the angle of the distal radius at the fracture it is called a Colles or Smith fracture:

• Colles fracture may result from direct trauma to the palm, as in a fall on the palm. The lateral view of the wrist with a Colles fracture resembles the shape of a fork.

• Smith fracture is the least common. It may result from a fall on a bent wrist. The end of the distal radius normally deviates downward toward the dorsum of the hand.

What are the symptoms of a distal radius fracture?

• immediate pain associated

• Bruises and swelling around the wrist

• Wrist deformity

What is the treatment for a distal radius fracture?

Decisions about how to treat a distal radius fracture may depend on many factors, including:

• Angle of deviation of the fracture

• Fragmentation (if there are fractures in multiple places)

• Articular fracture (when the fracture reaches the wrist joint)

• Participation in fracture of the ulna and injury to the median nerve

• Whether it is the dominant hand

• Occupation and activity level of the patient

In any case, the immediate treatment for a fracture is to apply a splint for comfort and pain control.

Non-surgical treatment

If the distal radius fracture is in a good position, a splint or cast is applied. It often serves as a definitive treatment until the bone has healed. The cast usually stays in for up to six weeks.

A removable wrist splint is then placed to wear for comfort and support. Once the cast is removed, physical therapy can begin to restore wrist function and strength.

X-rays may be taken at three weeks and then after six weeks if the fracture is suspected to be unstable.

A displaced fracture needs to be corrected first. Once its alignment is anatomically correct, a splint or cast is applied.

Anesthesia is usually performed with local anesthesia.

An orthopedic surgeon will evaluate the fracture and decide if surgery is needed or if the fracture can be treated with a cast for six weeks.

Surgical treatment

This option is usually for fractures that are considered unstable or that cannot be treated with a splint.

Of course, according to the type of fracture and based on the opinion of the orthopedic surgeon, he decides the type of surgery:

  • – Reduction of the fracture closed and fixation with wires through the skin (without surgical incision) with the help of a C arm fluoroscopy machine.
  • – Or, the surgery is performed through an incision above the palmar side of the wrist. The bone pieces are assembled and held in place with a metal plate and screws.
  • – Plate and screw installation may not be possible. In these cases, an external fixator may be used with or without additional wires to secure the fracture. With an external fixator, these devices are visible from outside the body.

After the surgery, the patient will be in a plaster cast for six weeks. After that, the cast will be removed and replaced with a removable wrist splint for a period determined by the surgeon on a case-by-case basis.

It begins with physical therapy to restore wrist function and strength, usually six weeks after surgery, and a removable splint may be dispensed with.

It should be continued with the exercises as recommended by your surgeon and physical therapist. Early movement is key to achieving the best recovery after surgery.

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المشفى الاستشاري الحديث – خلف حديقة الفرقان – حي المارتيني – حلب،

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February 2025
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