A distal radius fracture is a break in the radius (the larger of the two forearm bones) near the wrist. This common wrist injury is usually caused by falling onto an outstretched hand, although sports injuries, vehicle accidents, and other forms of trauma can also cause it. Depending on the severity of the fracture, patients may experience pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, visible deformity, or difficulty moving the wrist and hand.
Dr. Ryan Constantine carefully evaluates the location, severity, stability, and alignment of the injury to create a treatment plan that matches each patient’s needs. His goal is to restore proper anatomy, promote reliable healing, and help patients regain wrist strength, mobility, and function.
Who Is a Candidate for Distal Radius Fracture Treatment?
Treatment may be appropriate if you:
- Experience significant wrist pain, swelling, or bruising following a fall or other injury
- Have difficulty moving your wrist or using your hand normally
- Have been diagnosed with a distal radius fracture through an X-ray or other imaging
- Notice tenderness or visible deformity around the wrist
- Have a fracture that is displaced, unstable, or extends into the wrist joint
- Have a fracture that is not healing in proper alignment
Any suspected wrist fracture should be evaluated promptly. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help restore proper alignment and reduce the risk of lasting stiffness, weakness, deformity, or loss of function.
Benefits of Distal Radius Fracture Treatment
Proper treatment of a distal radius fracture is critical for healthy healing and preserving long-term function. Treatment can:
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Restore bone alignment: Position the fractured radius correctly to support proper healing
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Relieve pain and discomfort: Stabilize the injured wrist and limit movement at the fracture site so that pain is reduced while healing
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Protect wrist and hand function: Preserve range of motion, grip strength, and everyday use of the hand
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Prevent long-term problems: Reduce the risk of deformity, stiffness, instability, and post-traumatic arthritis
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Support a return to activity: Help patients safely regain the function needed for work, exercise, hobbies, and everyday tasks
Treatment Options
Treatment for a distal radius fracture depends on the type and severity of the break, whether the bones are properly aligned, whether the fracture extends into the wrist joint, and the patient’s individual needs. Options include:
- Splinting or Casting
- Stable fractures that remain in good alignment can often heal without surgery. A splint is commonly used initially while swelling subsides, followed by a cast or brace to protect the wrist and maintain alignment as the bone heals.
- Closed Reduction
- When the fractured bone has shifted out of position, the doctor may carefully realign it (without surgery) by pulling, pushing, or guiding the bone from outside the body back into place. After realignment the wrist is immobilized, and follow-up X-rays may be used to ensure the corrected position is maintained during healing.
- Physical or Hand Therapy
- Guided exercises may be introduced as healing progresses to restore wrist and hand motion, improve strength, and minimize stiffness after immobilization.
- Surgery
- Surgery may be recommended when a fracture is significantly displaced or unstable, extends into the joint, breaks through the skin, or cannot be adequately aligned or maintained with non-surgical treatment. During surgery, the bone is repositioned and stabilized to help it heal correctly.
Surgical Techniques
When a distal radius fracture requires surgery, the specific approach is determined based on the fracture pattern and severity of the injury. Techniques include:
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
- An incision is made to directly access and realign the fractured bone fragments. A plate and screws are commonly used to stabilize the radius and maintain proper alignment while the fracture heals.
- Pin or Wire Fixation
- Certain fracture patterns can be stabilized using small pins or wires placed through the bone to hold the fragments in position during healing.
- External Fixation
- For some complex or severe fractures, a stabilizing frame outside the wrist may be connected to the bones with pins to maintain alignment while the fracture and surrounding tissues heal.
Dr. Ryan Constantine will recommend the surgical technique that best matches the fracture pattern, wrist anatomy, and individual needs while prioritizing reliable healing and restoration of function.
Recovery and Healing
Recovery after a distal radius fracture depends on the severity of the injury and whether treatment is surgical or non-surgical. Patients may expect:
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- First few weeks
- The wrist is typically protected with a splint, cast, or brace. Swelling, soreness, and stiffness gradually improve as healing begins.
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- Three to six weeks
- The bone continues to heal, and follow-up imaging may be used to evaluate bone alignment and progress. Depending on the injury, gentle physical therapy exercises may begin.
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- Six to 12 weeks
- Patients can gradually increase wrist and hand use and may begin strengthening exercises as cleared.
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- Several months
- Strength, flexibility, and wrist function continue to improve. More complex fractures may require additional time for a full return to strenuous activities.
Dr. Ryan Constantine provides detailed instructions and follow-up care throughout recovery. Physical or hand therapy may be recommended to restore range of motion, grip strength, flexibility, and full wrist function.