What to expect from closed reduction for a distal radius fracture

A clinician first examines your fingers, skin sensation, movement, and blood flow. Pain relief, local anaesthetic, or sedation may be offered so the wrist can be handled more comfortably. The clinician then gently guides the fractured part of the radius back toward a better position from outside the body. Imaging is commonly used to check the alignment before and after the manoeuvre.

After realignment, your wrist and forearm are supported in a splint or cast. A splint may be chosen at first because swelling can increase after the injury. The support limits movement while the bone heals. Closed reduction does not always maintain alignment; the treating team may arrange further imaging or discuss another treatment if the bones shift or the fracture is unstable.

Keep the splint or cast dry and in place exactly as instructed. Elevate the hand above heart level when possible, especially early on, and move the fingers gently if your clinician allows it. Do not place objects inside the cast or change the support yourself. Use only the pain medicines recommended for you, and follow instructions about eating, drinking, driving, and supervision if sedation was used.

Attend the planned review even if the wrist feels better. The team may reassess swelling, skin, sensation, finger movement, and alignment. Later rehabilitation can focus on restoring wrist and forearm movement and rebuilding strength once healing makes those exercises appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help if your fingers become blue, pale, unusually cold, very swollen, or increasingly numb. Severe or rapidly worsening pain, inability to move the fingers, or a splint or cast that feels dangerously tight also needs prompt assessment. Contact the treating service if the support becomes wet, cracked, loose, or causes a new pressure area. Do not wait for the next scheduled appointment when circulation, sensation, or movement is changing.

Ask how stable the fracture appears, when alignment will be checked again, how long the splint or cast is expected to stay, and which finger or shoulder movements are safe now. Confirm how to manage pain, when you may use the hand for daily tasks, and who to contact if swelling or numbness changes.