How long does a fractured radius bone take to heal?
Most distal radius fractures take about three months or more to heal before you can return to all activities. Some residual soreness and stiffness may take up to one year or even more. Proximal radius fracture heals faster in around 6 to 12 weeks.
What happens if radius bone is fractured?
You will usually have pain and swelling in the forearm or wrist. You may have a deformity in the shape of the wrist if the fracture is bad enough. The presence of bruising (black and blue discoloration) is common. See your doctor if you have enough pain in your arm to stop you from using it normally.
How do you treat a radius fracture?
Nonsurgical Treatment If the distal radius fracture is in a good position, a splint or cast is applied. It often serves as a final treatment until the bone heals. Usually a cast will remain on for up to six weeks. Then you will be given a removable wrist splint to wear for comfort and support.
Can a radius fracture heal on its own?
A broken wrist will heal on its own; however, it may not heal in a functional position. Therefore, the goal of any treatment for a distal radius fracture, whether it involves surgery or a conservative approach, is to realign the bone into its proper position to relieve pain and restore function.
Does radius fracture need surgery?
Fractures of the distal radius are very common, and are treated using either casting or surgical techniques such as internal and external fixation. There are nearly as many ways to treat a distal radius fracture as there are distal radius fractures.
Does broken radius require surgery?
Non-Surgical Treatment Distal radius fractures do not always require surgery. Many heal just fine without an operation. Minor fractures with minimal displacement do very well with nonsurgical treatment. Other displaced fractures can be “reduced” and casted.
What does a fractured radius feel like?
The most obvious distal radius fracture symptoms are immediate pain and tenderness at the wrist. You may also see significant swelling and bruising. In some cases, the wrist may be deformed or bent/twisted in an odd position.
How long does radius surgery take?
A distal radius ORIF is a 30-90-minute outpatient surgery that is typically performed under either general anesthesia or regional “nerve block” anesthesia. After the patient is comfortable and asleep, the procedure is performed through the following steps: An incision is made on the palm side of the forearm and wrist.
What will a doctor do for a fractured wrist?
Surgery to fix the break, using pins to hold the bone in place. The pins are usually temporary. After the outpatient surgery, patients wear a cast or splint for several weeks, and then have physical therapy. Reconstructive surgery, also an outpatient procedure, uses plates and screws to repair the damaged bone.
Can you move your hand with a radius fracture?
It can be hard to move or use the hand and wrist. Some people can still move or use the hand or wrist even if there is a broken bone. Swelling or a bone out of place can make the wrist appear deformed. There is often pain right around the break and with finger movement.