Distal Radius Fracture

A distal radius fracture is a break in the radius, the larger forearm bone, close to the wrist joint.

A distal radius fracture is a break in the radius near the wrist that may cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the hand. It is often called a broken wrist; a Colles fracture is one pattern in which the broken end shifts toward the back of the hand. The break may be stable or may move out of alignment, and nearby wrist ligaments or other bones can also be injured.

A fall onto an outstretched hand is a common trigger, but a direct blow or a weaker bone can also be involved. Prompt assessment matters because alignment, circulation, skin condition, and nerve function influence the treatment plan.

Wrist pain is a common presentation of a distal radius fracture, often beginning immediately after an injury and worsening when the hand is used. Hand swelling is also common. A visible deformity after injury is very common when the broken bone has shifted, although a wrist can be fractured without an obvious change in shape.

Bruising, tenderness, reduced grip, and difficulty turning the forearm may occur. Numbness, tingling, pale or cool fingers, or rapidly increasing tightness need urgent medical assessment because nerves or blood flow may be affected.

The usual mechanism is a fall where the hand reaches out to protect the body. The wrist absorbs the force, which can break the radius near its joint surface. A collision, sports injury, or fall from a height can deliver a stronger force. In some people, a low-force fall can fracture bone that has become less dense or fragile.

Assessment comes first, followed by protection of the wrist and a decision about alignment. A stable fracture may be supported while the bone heals. If the pieces are out of position, a clinician may realign them or recommend fixation. Stiffness and weakness can remain after the support is removed, so movement is usually reintroduced in stages.

Risk is increased by activities with falls or impact, previous wrist injury, reduced bone strength, poor balance, and difficulty seeing or reacting to obstacles. Age alone does not determine the treatment; the fracture pattern, bone quality, hand function, and a person’s daily needs all matter.

A clinician asks how the injury happened and examines pain, swelling, shape, finger movement, skin, sensation, and circulation. X-rays usually show the location and alignment of the break. Further imaging may be considered when the fracture extends into the joint or the initial images do not answer an important question.

Do not try to straighten a visibly deformed wrist yourself. Keep it supported, remove rings before swelling increases, and seek urgent care after a significant injury.

Treatment depends on whether the fracture is aligned and stable, whether the joint is involved, and whether nerves or blood vessels are affected. A splint or cast can protect a suitable fracture while it heals. A clinician may use closed reduction to realign the bone without an open operation, followed by casting. Fracture fixation surgery may be considered when alignment cannot be maintained or the fracture is complex. Hand therapy can help restore movement, grip, and practical hand use after protection is reduced.

Follow lifting and movement limits given by your clinician, keep the support dry as directed, and move the fingers regularly if advised. Elevate the hand when swelling is troublesome. Recovery is easier when exercises are gradual and linked to useful tasks such as dressing or eating rather than forceful gripping too early.

Some fractures heal with ongoing stiffness, reduced grip, altered alignment, or pain during loading. Joint-surface injury can contribute to later wrist wear. Increasing numbness, severe pain under a cast, colour change in the fingers, or inability to move the fingers requires urgent review.

Reduce falls by keeping walkways clear, improving lighting, using handrails, and choosing footwear with secure grip. Strength and balance work may help with confidence and control. Protective equipment can reduce impact during suitable sports, while assessment of bone health may be useful after a low-force fracture.

An orthopaedic clinician can assess alignment and stability; a hand therapist can guide the return of wrist and finger function. Urgent assessment is appropriate for a deformity, open wound, cold or discoloured fingers, or new numbness after injury.