Does closed reduction treat distal radius fracture?

A clinician gently guides the wrist bones back toward a suitable position through the skin. Pain relief or sedation may be used. The wrist is then supported with a splint or cast, and follow-up X-rays check whether alignment is being maintained. A fracture that is too unstable, severely displaced, open, or associated with other injuries may need a different treatment, including surgery.

Keep the splint or cast dry and follow the instructions about movement, lifting, and review appointments. Elevate the hand when swelling is present, and move the fingers if your care team allows it. Do not try to straighten the wrist yourself. A hand or wrist specialist can explain the fracture pattern and whether the position is stable.

Seek urgent help if fingers become blue, unusually cold, numb, or difficult to move, or if pain and tight swelling increase despite the prescribed plan. New pressure under a cast, worsening tingling, or a cast that becomes wet and damaged also needs prompt assessment.

Ask which part of the radius is broken, whether the alignment is stable, when repeat imaging is needed, and how long the wrist should be protected. Ask when gentle wrist motion and physiotherapy can begin.