Does fracture casting treat a distal radius fracture?

The distal radius is the end of the forearm bone next to the wrist. A cast restricts wrist and forearm movement so the fracture can heal in the position chosen by the clinician. If the fragments are displaced, they may need to be realigned before casting. A splint is often used while swelling is prominent, followed by a cast when appropriate. Fractures that are unstable, extend into the wrist joint, or lose alignment during follow-up may need a different form of treatment. Hand and finger movement outside the cast is usually addressed according to the care plan.

Keep the cast dry, protect it from knocks, and never place pens or other objects inside it. Elevate the hand when swelling is troublesome, and move the free fingers gently as advised. Avoid lifting, pushing and pulling with the injured arm until cleared. Keep review appointments because examination and imaging can show whether alignment remains acceptable. After removal, the wrist may feel stiff and the forearm or hand may be weak; gradual exercises or physiotherapy can help restore movement and use.

Seek urgent assessment if the fingers become blue, pale, cold, numb, increasingly swollen, or hard to move. Increasing pressure, severe pain, burning, a damaged cast, skin sores, bad odour, fever or fluid leaking through the cast also needs prompt review. Sudden chest pain or breathlessness is an emergency. For more detail about the injury, read Distal Radius Fracture; for cast care, read Fracture Casting.

Ask whether the fracture is stable, whether it needed realignment, how much finger and elbow movement is appropriate, when lifting can resume, and when repeat X-rays are planned. Clarify which pain or circulation changes should bring you back sooner.