What is a Distal Radius Fracture?

How Does a Distal Radius Fracture Happen?

When you reflexively put out your hand during a fall, the load breaks the end of the radius near the wrist. In young people it usually follows sports or traffic accidents; in older adults a simple fall can cause it because of osteoporosis.

Symptoms

• Severe wrist pain and rapid swelling after a fall
• A visible bend or dinner-fork deformity of the wrist
• Difficulty moving the wrist and fingers
• Sometimes numbness in the fingers

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a broken wrist always need surgery?

Fractures that are not displaced or that can be realigned without surgery are treated with a cast or splint. Fractures extending into the joint surface or that have shifted may be fixed with a plate and screws. In both cases, physiotherapy afterwards is important to regain wrist motion. In older adults, this fracture should prompt an osteoporosis assessment.