How effective is fracture fixation surgery for distal radius fracture?

The distal radius forms part of the wrist joint. Fixation repositions the broken pieces and holds them with a plate, screws or another device. Good alignment can support wrist movement, grip and load transfer as the bone heals. The outlook changes with joint surface damage, bone quality, swelling, tendon or nerve irritation and how long the wrist was stiff before movement began. Pain may improve before grip strength and fine hand control return.

Keep the hand elevated during early swelling and move the fingers as instructed. Protect the dressing and incision, and do not lift, push or pull beyond the stated limit. Attend reviews so healing and hardware position can be assessed. Hand therapy may work on finger mobility, wrist motion, forearm rotation, grip and everyday tasks in a staged way. Do not force painful stretching or return to impact activity without clearance.

Report worsening pain, increasing redness, drainage, fever, new numbness or fingers that become difficult to move. Seek urgent assessment if the hand becomes cold, blue or unusually pale, swelling rapidly increases, or chest pain or sudden breathlessness develops.

Ask whether the fracture enters the wrist joint, when wrist and forearm movement may begin, which loads are allowed, and how nerve or tendon symptoms will be followed.