Temporary Cast for a Wrist Fracture

The first cast may be split or deliberately looser than a final cast. This leaves room for early swelling and helps reduce pressure on the skin, nerves, and blood vessels. A wrist fracture may involve the end of the forearm bone near the wrist, often called a distal radius fracture. An X-ray and examination help the clinician decide whether the position is acceptable or whether a closed reduction or another treatment is needed.

Keep the cast dry and do not insert objects to scratch beneath it. Elevate the hand above the level of the heart when it is swollen, and gently move the fingers several times through the day unless your clinician has restricted movement. Keep the elbow and shoulder moving if advised. Do not trim, loosen, or bear weight through the cast without instructions. Attend the planned review, because the cast may need adjustment or replacement as swelling changes.

Contact urgent medical care if fingers become blue, unusually pale, cold, numb, or increasingly difficult to move. Severe pain that does not ease with the recommended plan, rapidly increasing tightness, a wet or damaged cast, or a foul smell also needs prompt assessment. Seek immediate help after a new injury if the wrist looks markedly deformed or an open wound is present.

Ask how long this cast should stay on, whether you may use a sling, which movements and pain medicines are suitable, and when repeat imaging is planned. Clarify what would lead to fracture fixation surgery and when physiotherapy may begin.