Distal Radius Fractures

Dr. Warhold describes the treatment options for this common type of break. Plus, learn about advancements in using the plating/screw approach, which allows you to immediately use your hand.

For more information about the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hand Clinic, please visit us at http://www.dhmc.org/goto/handclinic

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Distal Radius
• fracture
• warhold
• hand clinic
• orthopaedics

[whofarted992]

They said they may have to rebrake my arm in 4-5 years because I broke my growth plate. I had a cast up to the elbow. So can you or anyone tell me if my wrist can be fixed even more?

[DartmouthHitchcock]

@whofarted992 Only a doctor who's examined you in person can properly answer that question. If you aren't happy with the care you received, consider a second opinion, but do have it looked at if it's still bothering you.

[firgozoran]

I had broken my wrist and wore a cast. Can surgery be done after couple of months from the injury? Will it have some effect?

[DartmouthHitchcock]

@firgozoran You'd need to ask your doctor about your particular situation -- every case is different, and we can't say without examining you. Your doctor can help answer your questions. Good luck!

[gothamette]

It sounds to me like you are pushing the plate and screws over pinning bigtime. Isn't fixating a plate and screws internally much more complicated? Isn't this much more invasive surgery? Doesn't it leave a scar? Isn't it always better to perform the least invasive surgery?

[DartmouthHitchcock]

@gothamette Every patient's situation is different. Minimally invasive surgery has overall benefits such as reduced recovery time, but certain types of injuries call for other approaches.

[tvaholicsquidney]

Nearly 3yrs ago in football i was doing diving headers the coach threw the ball abit to high, i dived straight over the crash mat and i put my hand out and i landed palmside down on the top of my ulna and i heard 2 distinct cracks at the time, i told the coach and he said it was a sprain, went to a&e, they x-rayed my scaphoid, i recently saw a physio and 3 locums all of whom say my wrist was fractured and it healed wrong because you can see it, it's weaker and it causes me pain what should i do?

[whofarted992]

Okay I broke my left Radius and Ulna, and dislocated my wrist all at the same time back in October 2011 during football. I think it was a Distal Radius Fracture. They did a closed reduction and worked "well". But I still have a problem. My Wrist doesn't turn all the way around to line up with the flat part of my arm. It stops at a 40 degree angle.

[DartmouthHitchcock]

@fiestachili Ask your doctor for an exam and his or her opinion -- as we don't know your history and can't examine you from here, we can't say. Good luck!

[fiestachili]

hi there i used to ride motocross and box, i broke my wrist in an accident and had toi havew a plate put in, will i ever be able to box or ride again in your opinion. ie. will my wrist be strong enough to withstand impact? your help would be much appreciated. :-)