A distal radius fracture — a break near the wrist end of the radius, one of the two forearm bones — is among the most common fractures encountered in emergency departments and orthopedic clinics. This guide reviews the typical causes, symptoms, and modern treatment concepts associated with distal radius fractures, often referred to informally as a "broken wrist."
What Causes a Distal Radius Fracture?
The most common mechanism for a distal radius fracture is a fall onto an outstretched hand, sometimes referred to by the acronym FOOSH. This can occur during a simple trip or fall, sports activities, cycling accidents, or higher-energy trauma. Distal radius fractures occur across a broad age range: in younger, more active individuals they often result from higher-energy activities, while in older adults with reduced bone density they can result from relatively low-energy falls.
What Are the Symptoms of a Distal Radius Fracture?
Typical symptoms include:
- Immediate pain near the wrist, often worsened by attempted movement or gripping
- Swelling and bruising around the wrist
- Visible deformity, sometimes described as a "dinner fork" appearance in certain fracture patterns
- Difficulty or inability to move the wrist or grip objects
- Numbness or tingling in the hand in some cases, which may indicate nerve involvement
How Is a Distal Radius Fracture Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and X-ray imaging to assess fracture pattern, displacement, and involvement of the wrist joint surface. Physicians also evaluate for signs of median nerve involvement, given its proximity to the distal radius, and CT imaging may be used for complex or joint-involving fracture patterns.
How Are Distal Radius Fractures Typically Treated?
Treatment depends on fracture stability, displacement, and joint involvement. Many stable, minimally displaced distal radius fractures can be managed non-surgically with a cast or splint. Fractures that are significantly displaced, unstable, or involve the wrist joint surface are more often treated surgically, most commonly with a volar (palm-side) locking plate. Devices such as INVAMED's CytroFIX Distal Radius Volar Plate are designed with a low-profile, anatomically contoured shape and locking screw technology intended to provide stable fixation that can support earlier, protected wrist mobilization compared to prolonged casting alone, depending on the individual case.
What Does Recovery Generally Involve?
Recovery from distal radius fracture treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, typically involves a period of immobilization or protection followed by progressive hand and wrist therapy to restore range of motion, grip strength, and function. As with any fracture treatment, distal radius fixation surgery carries inherent risks, and the recovery plan is individualized by the treating physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is surgery always needed for a distal radius fracture?
No. Many distal radius fractures, particularly those that are stable and minimally displaced, are successfully treated with casting alone. Surgery is more often considered for significantly displaced, unstable, or joint-involving fracture patterns.
What is a volar locking plate?
A volar locking plate is a titanium plate applied to the palm-side surface of the distal radius, using screws that lock directly into the plate to create a stable, fixed-angle construct. This approach is one of the most common surgical techniques for distal radius fracture fixation today.
How long does it take to regain full wrist function after a distal radius fracture?
Recovery timelines vary based on fracture severity, treatment approach, and individual healing. Commonly cited estimates suggest that meaningful functional recovery often continues for several months, with hand therapy playing an important role. Only a treating physician can provide an individualized recovery estimate.
Related INVAMED Resources
- CytroFIX Distal Radius Volar Plate — titanium volar plate for wrist fracture fixation
- Orthopedic & Trauma Solutions — full fracture fixation portfolio
- Contact INVAMED — request technical information
Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Product indications, availability, and regulatory status vary by country. Always refer to the official Instructions for Use (IFU) and consult a licensed physician for guidance specific to your situation. INVAMED devices are intended for use by trained healthcare professionals.