A distal radius fracture, more commonly known as a broken wrist, is one of the most common types of broken bones. This injury happens at the end of the radius bone, which is the larger of the two bones in your forearm, on the thumb side. When you fall and try to catch yourself with your hands, the force can be too much for the radius to handle, leading to a break near the wrist.
Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, our active lifestyles, from cycling down the Embarcadero to hiking in the Marin Headlands, mean that wrist injuries can be a common occurrence. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of hand and wrist specialists is dedicated to providing expert care to get you back to doing what you love. We understand that a broken wrist can be a painful and disruptive experience, and we are here to guide you through every step of your recovery.
A distal radius fracture can range from a simple crack in the bone to a more complex injury where the bone is shattered into multiple pieces. The severity of the fracture will determine the best course of treatment. Fortunately, with the right care, most people make a full recovery and regain the full use of their wrist and hand.
Common Symptoms and Causes
The most obvious symptom of a distal radius fracture is sudden, intense pain in your wrist after a fall or other injury. You may also hear or feel a snap or grinding sensation at the time of the injury.
Other common symptoms include:
- Swelling in the wrist and forearm
- Bruising around the wrist
- Tenderness to the touch
- Deformity of the wrist, where it looks bent or out of place
- Difficulty moving or using your hand and wrist
The most common cause of a distal radius fracture is a fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH). This can happen to anyone, but it is particularly common in older adults with osteoporosis and in children, whose bones are still developing.
Other causes include:
- Car accidents
- Sports injuries, especially in sports like skiing, snowboarding, and in-line skating
- Bike accidents
- Workplace accidents
Common Risk Factors
While anyone can break their wrist, certain factors can increase your risk of a distal radius fracture. These include:
- Osteoporosis: This condition causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more likely to break.
- Age: Older adults are more likely to have osteoporosis and are also at a higher risk of falls.
- Contact sports: Participating in high-impact sports can increase your risk of falling and breaking your wrist.
- Poor nutrition: A diet low in calcium and vitamin D can weaken your bones.
- Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and kidney disease, can affect bone health.
What to Expect: Diagnosis and Treatment at California Pacific Orthopaedics
If you suspect you have a broken wrist, it is important to seek medical attention right away. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team will start by asking you about your symptoms and how the injury occurred. We will then perform a physical examination of your wrist to check for swelling, deformity, and tenderness.
To confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the fracture, we will take X-rays of your wrist. In some cases, we may also order a CT scan to get a more detailed look at the fracture.
Your treatment will depend on the type and severity of your fracture.
Non-Surgical Treatment
If the broken bone is in a good position, we may be able to treat it without surgery. This typically involves:
- A cast or splint: This will immobilize your wrist and allow the bone to heal in the correct position. You will likely wear the cast or splint for about four to six weeks.
- Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to manage your pain.
- Hand therapy: Once the cast is removed, you will likely need hand therapy to help you regain your strength and range of motion.
Surgical Treatment
If the bone is out of place or if the fracture is more complex, you may need surgery. The goal of surgery is to realign the broken bone and hold it in place while it heals.
There are several different types of surgery for distal radius fractures, including:
- Internal fixation: In this procedure, the surgeon will make an incision and use plates and screws to hold the broken bone in place.
- Percutaneous pinning: This is a less invasive procedure where the surgeon uses small pins to hold the bone in place without making a large incision.This is more common in children.
Your Recovery Journey
Recovery from a distal radius fracture can take several months. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and to be patient with the healing process.
Here is a general timeline of what you can expect during your recovery:
- The first few weeks: You will likely experience pain and swelling in your wrist. It is important to keep your hand elevated and to take your pain medication as prescribed.
- After the cast is removed: Your wrist will likely be stiff and weak. You will need to start hand therapy to help you regain your strength and range of motion.
- Three to six months: You should be able to return to most of your normal activities.
- One year: You should have a full recovery, with normal strength and range of motion in your wrist.
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality of care. Our team of specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that is right for you. We will be with you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery, to help you get back to living your life to the fullest.
If you have suffered a wrist injury, please contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our hand and wrist specialists at our San Francisco or San Rafael location. We are here to help you get back in motion.
