A distal radius fracture, also known as a broken wrist, is one of the most common types of fractures. This injury usually occurs when someone falls onto an outstretched hand, putting excessive force on the radius bone in the forearm. Whether caused by a slip on the pavement, a sports injury, or a car accident, this type of fracture can significantly impact daily activities and make even the simplest of tasks more difficult. Fractures can range from mild (where the bone remains in place) to severe (where the bone shifts out of alignment and requires more extensive treatment). At OrthoGeorgia, our dedicated hand and upper extremity specialists provide expert care for patients with all manner of hand injuries and conditions, including broken bones throughout the hand and arm. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for wrist fractures in Central GA at OrthoGeorgia.
What are the Symptoms and Types of Wrist Fractures?
The radius is one of the two bones in the forearm, with the distal radius the portion closest to the wrist. A distal radius fracture occurs when this part of the bone breaks, which can happen in various scenarios due to force and angle of impact. Some common types of distal radius fractures include:
Colles’ Fracture: A common break where the fractured end of the radius tilts upward.
Smith’s Fracture: Similar to Colles’ fracture, but with the broken end of the radius angling downward.
Comminuted Fracture: The bone breaks into multiple pieces.
Intra-Articular Fracture: The break extends into the wrist joint, which may cause long-term complications.
A broken wrist can be painful and disabling, making it difficult to use the affected hand. If you experience severe pain in the wrist after an injury, you should schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist to get a proper diagnosis and prevent further complications. Common symptoms of a distal radius fracture include:
Immediate pain and tenderness around the wrist area, especially when moving the wrist.
Swelling and bruising that develop soon after the injury.
Visible deformity where the wrist appears bent or out of place.
Weakness or inability to grip objects that affects the injured hand.
Numbness or tingling in the fingers, which may indicate nerve involvement.
How are Wrist Fractures Diagnosed?
At OrthoGeorgia, our orthopedic specialists use advanced diagnostic techniques to evaluate hand and wrist injuries and determine if a fracture is present. Accurate diagnosis is essential in deciding the best treatment approach and supporting optimal healing and wrist function. A physical examination is usually the first step, where your doctor will assess your pain levels, swelling, and range of motion. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the fracture, we may also use:
X-Ray: The most common imaging method to assess the location and extent of a break.
CT Scan: Used in cases of complex fractures to get a detailed, cross-sectional view of the bone and joint.
MRI Scan: Occasionally used if soft tissue damage, such as ligament or tendon injuries, is suspected.
Treatment for Distal Radius Fractures in Central GA
Treatment methods for a distal radius fracture depend on the severity of the break, whether the bones are displaced, and the patient’s overall health. At OrthoGeorgia, we offer both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options to restore wrist strength and mobility for patients of all ages and activity levels. We encourage all of our patients to be active participants in their care, asking questions and expressing any concerns they may have along the way.
Nonsurgical Wrist Fracture Treatment
Many wrist fractures can heal without surgery, especially if the bones remain properly aligned. Nonoperative treatment options at OrthoGeorgia include:
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
Casting or Splinting: A wrist splint or cast, typically worn for four to six weeks, helps keep the bones in place while they heal.
Closed Reduction: If the bones are only slightly misaligned, the doctor may manually realign them before placing a cast.
Physical Therapy: Once the cast is removed, therapy may be recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the wrist.
Will I Need Surgery for a Wrist Fracture?
In cases where the fracture is displaced, unstable, or involves the joint, surgery may be necessary. The goal of surgery is to realign the bones and stabilize them for proper healing. Surgical options for wrist fractures include:
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): A common procedure where metal plates and screws are used to secure the fractured bone in place.
External Fixation: Used for severe fractures, where pins and an external frame help keep the bones aligned during the healing process.
Bone Grafting: In cases of bone loss, a bone graft may be used to promote healing.
After surgery, patients may need to wear a splint or cast, followed by rehabilitation to regain full function. We are proud to offer our patients comprehensive care throughout the entire healing process, with hand & upper extremity rehab available in Macon, Warner Robins, and Kathleen. Our specialized hand therapists work closely with our surgeons to develop individualized treatment programs for each patient, which help further support a successful recovery and pain-free movement.
Other Hand and Upper Extremity Conditions We Treat at OrthoGeorgia
At OrthoGeorgia, we are committed to helping patients recover from wrist fractures and other orthopedic injuries via personalized treatment plans and compassionate care. Whether you are facing chronic wrist pain or have recently suffered a sports injury, our team of hand and upper extremity specialists will work to help you get back to feeling your best. In addition to wrist fractures, our specialists treat a wide range of hand and upper extremity conditions in Central GA, including:
Happy Memorial Day! OrthoGeorgia will be closed on Monday, May 26th. Both Urgent Care locations will be closed May 24-26 and will reopen at 7:30am on Tuesday, May 27th.
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