A distal radius fracture can occur for a number of different reasons. Often, it happens when a person falls and lands on their outstretched hands with their palms hitting the surface of the floor or ground. It also happens in a number of car accidents because people will often put out their arms at the moment of impact, which causes the bone to fracture. The bone known as the radius will break. This is actually a common type of injury, and in some cases, the bone of the forearm will break as well.
What Are the Symptoms?
Those who suffer from a distal radius fracture will be in a substantial amount of pain, and the area around the break will swell. In many cases, this will cause a deformity in the wrist. Those who believe they have a fracture should visit the doctor so they can have an x-ray taken of the location. This will let the doctor determine whether there is a break, and the severity of the break. You may want to consider visiting an orthopedist, as they specialize in the field of bones. If the pain is severe, the fracture is open (the break comes through the skin), or if there is numbness in the area, you should visit the emergency room.
It is possible to treat a distal radius fracture in a number of different ways. The option chosen will depend on a number of factors including the nature of the injury and the patients history and age. In some cases, it may only need splinting and then a cast to heal, as long as the bone is in a good position. The cast will typically be removed after about six weeks. Again, it depends on the patient and the severity of the injury.
Treating a Distal Radius Fracture with Surgery
In some cases, a surgical option is the best way to deal with the injury. With some patients, the bone may be in a bad position, and it would not heal properly and allow the patient to make full use of their wrist. In those cases, surgery can help. The type of surgery can differ depending on the injury. Some may require and incision, and others may not. Once the doctor puts the bone in the proper position, they may choose to hold it in place with a cast, or they might hold it in place with metal pins or screws, or other techniques.
The healing time after the surgery will vary based on the type of surgery, and the patients natural ability to heal. In most cases, surgery will not be necessary, but the orthopedic surgeon will let you know what the best course of action will be for your wrist and hand to heal properly.
Those who have a distal radius fracture, or any other type of injury to the hand, forearm, and elbow should make sure they get in touch with a high quality, reputable orthopedic specialist. They need to make sue that they have the best care and treatment for their injury so they can heal properly.
