Distal Radius Fractures

A distal radius fracture—often called a “wrist fracture” or a "broken wrist"—is one of the most common injuries seen in hand and wrist surgery. These injuries range from simple, stable fractures treated in a cast to more complex fractures requiring precise surgical repair.

My goal is to restore alignment, protect wrist motion, and return you to daily life with comfort and confidence.

How They Occur

Distal radius fractures typically result from:

Falling onto an outstretched hand
Sports injuries
Car or bicycle accidents
High-energy trauma
Low-energy trauma in patients with weaker bone, geriatric patients

Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the wrist or forearm.

Evaluation of Distal Radius Fractures

Evaluation includes:

Detailed history of the injury
Examination of wrist alignment, swelling, and motion
Assessment for nerve involvement (especially median nerve symptoms)
X-rays to determine the fracture pattern

Rarely, CT scans are used to assess joint involvement or complex fracture patterns.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the fracture type, displacement, your age, bone quality, and activity level.

Every fracture - and every patient - is different.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Stable fractures can often be treated with:

Splinting or casting
Regular imaging to confirm alignment
Gradual return to motion
Hand therapy as needed

This approach works well for fractures that stay well-aligned and are likely to heal reliably.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is recommended when the fracture is:

Significantly displaced
Involving the joint surface
Unstable in a cast
Causing nerve compression
Expected to heal poorly without fixation

Most surgeries involve restoring alignment and stabilizing the fracture with a plate and screws (volar plating).

A miniature x-ray machine (fluoroscope) is used during surgery to check the alignment of the hardware and the fracture.

In most cases, the hardware is able to be placed in such a way that it does not need to be removed at a later date. In a small percentage of cases, the hardware is removed at a later date.

Other techniques—including bridge plating or fragment-specific fixation—are used for more complex injuries.

When Nerve Symptoms Occur

Some distal radius fractures cause swelling or pressure on the median nerve. Symptoms include:

Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, or middle fingers
Difficulty moving the thumb
Weakness in grip

Prompt evaluation and treatment minimize long-term nerve issues.

My Approach:

I focus on:

Clear explanation of the injury and your options
Restoring alignment for both function and long-term wrist health
Minimally invasive techniques when appropriate
Close follow-up with therapy to optimize recovery
Protecting your long-term comfort, strength, and motion

The goal is simple: The best possible outcome for your fracture. In most cases, that means a wrist that heals well and supports you in the activities you enjoy.