Distal radius fracture
A distal radius fracture, also known as wrist fracture, is a break of the part of the radius bone which is close to the wrist. Symptoms include pain, bruising, and rapid-onset swelling. The ulna bone may also be broken.
| Distal radius fracture | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Broken wrist |
| A Colles fracture as seen on X-ray: It is a type of distal radius fracture. | |
| Specialty | Orthopedics, emergency medicine |
| Symptoms | Pain, bruising, and swelling of the wrist |
| Usual onset | Sudden |
| Types | Colles' fracture, Smith's fracture, Barton's fracture, Hutchinson fracture |
| Causes | Trauma |
| Risk factors | Osteoporosis |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, X-rays |
| Treatment | Casting, surgery |
| Medication | Pain medication, elevation |
| Prognosis | Recovery over 1 to 2 years |
| Frequency | ≈33% of broken bones |
In younger people, these fractures typically occur during sports or a motor vehicle collision. In older people, the most common cause is falling on an outstretched hand. Specific types include Colles, Smith, Barton, and Chauffeur's fractures. The diagnosis is generally suspected based on symptoms and confirmed with X-rays.
Treatment is with casting for six weeks or surgery. Surgery is generally indicated if the joint surface is broken and does not line up, the radius is overly short, or the joint surface of the radius is tilted more than 10% backwards. Among those who are cast, repeated X-rays are recommended within three weeks to verify that a good position is maintained.
Distal radius fractures are common, and are the most common type of fractures that are seen in children. Distal radius fractures represent between 25% and 50% of all broken bones and occur most commonly in young males and older females. A year or two may be required for healing to occur. Most children with a buckle wrist fracture experience a broken wrist for life and do have an increased chance of re-fracturing the same spot or other adverse effects.