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Distal Radius Fracture

Distal Radius Fracture

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Accident Details

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Distal Radius Fracture

Offering Treatment in the Florida area for Distal Radius Fractures

At Icon Medical, we can provide a tailored healthcare plan for any accident or injury, including distal radius fractures. No matter the cause of your injury, whether personal accident, auto accident or another cause of injury, we have you covered, as well as supporting your recovery through any insurance claim.

Distal Radius Fracture Distal Radius Fracture Distal Radius Fracture

An Introduction to Distal Radius Fractures

In simple terms, a distal radius fracture is a broken wrist. A distal radius fracture is so named due to the larger of the two arm bones being named the radius, and the end of the bone closest to the wrist being christened the distal end. A distal radius fracture is, therefore, the breaking of the radius area of the bone closest to the wrist.

It’s also possible for the ulna bone of the arm to break alongside a distal radius fracture occurring.

Understanding the Various Types of this Fracture

There isn’t only one type of Distal Radius Fracture; in fact, there are five variations of a fracture in this area of the wrist.

  • Colles Fracture. This is the most common variation of a Distal Radius Fracture, and this fracture means that the broken piece of the radius is found to be tilting upwards.
  • Comminuted Fracture. This type of break means that the bone has been broken into more than two pieces.
  • Open Fracture. In the case of an open fracture, the broken piece of bone will actually pierce the skin and be visible through the skin. This is more serious due to the risk of infection associated with the open wound.
  • Intra-articular Fracture. This is a kind of fracture that moves into the wrist joint itself.
  • Extra-articular Fracture. This fracture does not extend into the wrist joint.

No matter the type of fracture, a Distal Radius Fracture will commonly occur around 1 inch from the end of the bone closest to the wrist, but it can be any type of the above-listed fractures. It’s always important to identify the type of fracture that has occurred in order to best treat it; for example, medical professionals need to know whether they are dealing with a clean break or are handling many pieces of a broken bone, as would be the case with a comminuted fracture.

The best way to determine this would be through an X-ray.

The Causes of a Distal Radius Fracture

A distal radius fracture is one of the most common fractures, and there are a variety of causes for it. In older people, the most common cause is suffering a fall in which the individual falls upon their hand and fractures the bone. In younger individuals, this injury can be sustained through a road traffic collision, a sporting injury or any general injury in which the wrist has been compromised.

This sort of fracture would need an impact to cause it.

Identifying a Distal Radius Fracture

A broken wrist is usually very easy to spot, and immediately at that. There will be a significant amount of instant pain, your wrist may be bent in the wrong direction or look deformed, and – in the case of an open fracture – the broken bone may have pierced the skin and be visible.

You will also suffer tenderness, swelling, and bruising.

Recommended Treatment for a Distal Radius Fracture

A medical examination will be needed in any event of a distal radius fracture; however, the urgency of the medical examination is dependent on the severity of the fracture. If the break is severe, piercing the skin, causing significant pain and swelling with a deformed hand, then you will need emergency medical attention.

Less severe fractures in which the pain is manageable, there is limited swelling, no deformity, and no skin piercing will need less urgent attention; a general appointment with a doctor rather than immediate emergency room care.

You will require an X-ray in the first instance, thereafter your medical consultant will assign either non-surgery treatment or treatment via surgery. The former is possible if the broken bones can heal naturally, in which case a plaster cast will be applied. The latter is for more complicated cases, in which surgery is needed to access more difficult bone breakages and align accordingly.

Recommended Aftercare for a Distal Radius Fracture

At Icon Medical, we can assist with distal radius fractures and assist with pain management. A recovery program can be completely tailored to your specific requirements and the severity of the fracture, as the healing process will vary depending on the kind of distal radius fracture you have suffered.

As well as pain management, your recovery program will include cast and wound care, and eventually, lead to physical therapy to restore strength and ability in your broken wrist.

Contact Icon Medical today to discuss treatment options for Distal Radius Fractures.

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