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A Distal Radius Fracture is a break or crack in the radius bone near the wrist, typically occurring within the bottom 2.5 cm of the bone. It is commonly referred to as a "wrist fracture" due to its proximity to the wrist joint. These fractures are particularly common in older adults with osteoporosis, as well as younger individuals who experience falls, sports injuries, or trauma.
The fracture can be classified based on its severity and the way the bone breaks:
Non-displaced fracture: The bone cracks but stays in place.
Displaced fracture: The bone breaks into two or more parts and shifts out of alignment.
Comminuted fracture: The bone shatters into several pieces.
Distal radius fractures are often associated with Colles' Fracture, a specific type of distal radius fracture that involves the bone breaking and shifting backward.
The symptoms of a distal radius fracture can vary depending on the type and severity of the fracture. Common symptoms include:
Severe pain in the wrist and forearm, especially when trying to move the wrist or touch the area, is a hallmark sign of a distal radius fracture.
The pain is often sharp and immediate following the injury.
Significant swelling and bruising around the wrist joint typically develop shortly after the fracture.
The swelling may spread up to the forearm or down to the hand.
In more severe cases, the wrist may appear deformed, with a noticeable bump or abnormal angle of the wrist joint.
The forearm may look crooked or out of alignment if the fracture is displaced.
Difficulty or inability to move the wrist or hand is common after a distal radius fracture.
The joint may feel stiff or locked, and the wrist may be painful when attempting to move it.
If the fracture causes pressure on nerves, you might experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers.
The most common cause of a distal radius fracture is a fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH), where the wrist takes the brunt of the impact. Other causes include:
A fall, especially from a height or onto a hard surface, is the leading cause of distal radius fractures, particularly among older adults.
Contact sports, such as football or rugby, or activities like skiing or skateboarding can lead to falls or trauma that result in wrist fractures.
Car accidents, direct trauma from a blow to the arm, or other high-impact injuries can lead to distal radius fractures.
People with osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken bones are more prone to fractures, as their bones are less dense and more fragile.
To properly diagnose a distal radius fracture, our skilled physiotherapists and medical professionals may use the following diagnostic methods:
A thorough physical exam to assess the extent of the injury, tenderness, swelling, and visible deformities.
Your healthcare provider will check for any misalignment or abnormal positioning of the wrist and forearm.
X-rays are typically used to confirm the presence of a distal radius fracture and assess the type and severity of the break.
Multiple X-ray views are often necessary to get a full picture of the fracture’s alignment and extent.
In some cases, CT scans or MRIs may be used to get a more detailed view of complex fractures or if the X-ray does not clearly show the injury.
Treatment for a distal radius fracture varies depending on the severity of the fracture, whether the bones are displaced, and other factors. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we offer a range of non-surgical and post-surgical treatment options to promote healing and restore function:
For non-displaced fractures, a cast or splint is typically applied to keep the wrist in place during the healing process.
The cast or splint helps stabilize the bone and prevent further movement that could interfere with healing.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on treatments, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue therapy, can help alleviate pain and improve wrist function.
Exercise Therapy: Once the fracture has healed sufficiently, physiotherapy exercises will focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the wrist. These exercises help prevent stiffness and improve overall wrist function.
Grip Strengthening: Specific exercises to strengthen grip and improve hand function are important for returning to daily activities.
Adaptive Techniques: Our occupational therapists can help you learn how to modify activities during your recovery, providing adaptive tools or techniques to reduce strain on the wrist while it heals.
Splints and Braces: In some cases, wrist splints or braces may be recommended to protect the wrist while allowing for movement and function during rehabilitation.
For more severe or displaced fractures, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and secure them with pins, plates, or screws. Our team works closely with orthopedic surgeons to ensure a comprehensive recovery process after surgery.
The recovery time for a distal radius fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and the treatment approach. For non-displaced fractures, recovery can take 6 to 8 weeks, whereas displaced fractures may require longer healing times or surgical intervention.
Once the cast or splint is removed, rehabilitation is crucial to restore strength and mobility. Our physiotherapists will guide you through gentle exercises that focus on regaining wrist mobility, strength, and stability.
Complications such as joint stiffness, chronic pain, or post-traumatic arthritis can occur after a distal radius fracture. Our goal is to minimize these risks through personalized rehabilitation strategies, early intervention, and careful monitoring of progress.
If you've experienced a Distal Radius Fracture and are looking to start your recovery journey, book an appointment with our expert team at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health:
Malaga: Book here
Noranda: Book here
Contact Us:
Malaga: 4/637 Marshall Road, Malaga WA 6090 | Phone: 6285 6185
Noranda: 3/36 Benara Road, Noranda WA 6062 | Phone: 9376 1443
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For more information about Distal Radius Fractures, please refer to the following Australian resources:
Better Health Channel – Distal Radius Fracture
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/distal-radius-fracture
Healthdirect Australia – Wrist Fracture
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/wrist-fracture
Australian Physiotherapy Association – Distal Radius Fracture
https://australian.physio/
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