General Procedure Information
Distal Radius (Wrist) Fracture Reduction and Fixation
Treatment for a distal radius fracture may include reduction, casting or surgical fixation. The need for surgery depends on displacement, joint alignment, bone quality, activity needs and overall health.
What Is It?
The distal radius is the forearm bone near the wrist. Reduction aims to restore alignment of a displaced fracture. If a fracture is unstable or joint alignment is affected, fixation with a plate, screws, pins or another method may be considered. Treatment choices differ between fractures.
When Might It Be Considered?
These are common assessment considerations only; they do not mean that you are necessarily suitable for surgery or the procedure.
- Severe wrist pain, swelling, deformity or inability to use the hand after a fall requires prompt medical assessment
- Imaging shows displacement, instability, joint-surface involvement or difficulty maintaining alignment after reduction
- The clinician has considered age, bone quality, dominant hand, work/caring needs and rehabilitation capacity
What Are the Alternatives?
- Some well-aligned fractures, or those that can be kept aligned, may be managed with reduction followed by cast or splint and imaging follow-up
- Non-operative and surgical choices require discussion of the fracture and personal goals; they cannot be decided by age or a single X-ray alone
General Assessment and Procedure Planning
The clinician checks skin, circulation, sensation, finger movement and imaging, with CT when needed. Timing, fixation method, cast or splint, wound care and follow-up imaging are planned individually by the orthopaedic team.
Important
Possible Risks and Limitations
All surgery and invasive procedures carry risks. Your actual risk depends on your condition, the scope of the procedure, health and other factors. Your doctor will discuss this individually during informed consent.
- Infection, bleeding, wound problems, nerve or blood-vessel injury and anaesthetic risks
- Alignment or healing not progressing as expected, wrist stiffness, persistent pain, tendon irritation or injury and possible further surgery
- Possible post-traumatic arthritis or incomplete return of grip and movement
General Recovery Approach
Elevation, finger movement, wound or cast care, follow-up imaging and the timing of wrist movement are important. Rehabilitation progressively restores wrist and finger movement, grip and daily function; loading and return-to-work plans must follow the treating team.
When Should You Contact the Medical Team Promptly?
- Pain, swelling, redness or warmth becomes suddenly worse after surgery or injury
- Persistent wound bleeding or discharge, marked wound redness or swelling, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- New or worsening numbness, weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain or marked calf pain/swelling
For severe illness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or inability to travel safely, call 999 or attend an emergency department immediately.
Reference
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Distal Radius Fracture Patient Guide
Would You Like to Discuss Which Treatment Direction May Be Suitable?
Book an orthopaedic assessment to discuss your symptoms, findings, lifestyle needs and treatment goals individually.