Distal Radius Fracture

A distal radius fracture is a break in the larger forearm bone near the wrist, one of the most common fractures, usually from a fall onto an outstretched hand.

Pain, swelling, deformity, and inability to move or bear weight through the wrist following an injury.

Most commonly caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand; also seen in higher-energy trauma such as sports or road traffic accidents.

Seek urgent assessment for any wrist deformity, severe pain, or inability to move the wrist after an injury.

Clinical examination for deformity, swelling, and neurovascular status of the hand.

X-rays confirm the fracture pattern and displacement; CT scan may be used for complex intra-articular fractures.

Stable, well-aligned fractures can be treated with a cast or splint and serial X-ray monitoring.

Surgery is considered for displaced, unstable, or intra-articular fractures that cannot be adequately reduced or held in a cast.

Open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screws realigns and stabilizes the fracture to allow early motion.

Cast immobilization typically lasts four to six weeks; surgically fixed fractures often allow earlier protected motion with hand therapy.

Most patients regain good wrist function, though some stiffness or reduced grip strength can persist, particularly after complex fractures.

Infection, stiffness, malunion, nerve irritation, and rarely complex regional pain syndrome.