What are the treatment options for distal radius fracture?

The radius is the forearm bone on the thumb side, and its wrist end can break after a fall or direct impact. X-rays help show whether the pieces are aligned and whether the position is likely to remain stable. A clinician also checks skin, circulation, sensation, finger movement, and swelling before choosing support or surgery.

If the bone has shifted, [Closed Reduction](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/closed-reduction/) can realign it without an incision, followed by [Fracture Casting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/fracture-casting/) or another support. An unstable, open, or joint-involving fracture may need [Fracture Fixation Surgery](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/fracture-fixation-surgery/) to hold the pieces in position. Once movement is permitted, [Hand Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hand-therapy/) helps restore wrist, forearm, and finger function.

Get urgent assessment after a wrist injury with deformity, severe swelling, an open wound, or inability to move the fingers. Return promptly if fingers become blue, cold, increasingly numb, or unusually painful inside a cast. A cast that feels tight, breaks, or becomes wet should be reviewed rather than adjusted at home.

Is the fracture aligned and stable? Will I need a reduction or fixation? How should I move my fingers while supported, and when can hand therapy begin?