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Distal radius fracture
Wrist fracture treatment at Mayo Clinic is coordinated by hand surgeons in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Mayo hand surgeons work with an integrated team of medical professionals from physical medicine and rehabilitation and radiology to accurately diagnose the problem and determine the most effective treatment for each patient.
Mayo's hand surgeons are experienced in treating wrist fractures and may be able to help patients whose previous injuries resulted in complications such as nonunions, malunions, avascular necrosis (dead bone) and osteoarthritis. Mayo Clinic treats about 1,000 wrist fractures each year. Mayo surgeons and physicians also actively research innovative technology, devices and treatment options for wrist fractures.
Treatment of wrist fractures at Mayo Clinic depends on the site and severity of each injury, as well as the patient's age and health. Wrist fracture treatment is coordinated by experienced hand surgeons. An integrated team of specialists in orthopedics and other medical specialties works together to provide each patient with individualized care to treat wrist fractures.
Many stable fractures can be treated with a splint or cast. Complex fractures often require surgery. Several types of wrist surgeries are performed at Mayo Clinic, including procedures that use minimally invasive techniques. Many types of wrist injuries are treated successfully by Mayo's experienced surgical team. Read more about distal radius fracture and scaphoid fracture treatment at Mayo Clinic.
Rehabilitation is an important aspect of treating wrist fractures at Mayo Clinic. Soon after the initial treatment, rehabilitation is begun to minimize stiffness, increase range of motion and restore strength. To reduce stiffness, it is important for patients to begin using the hand and wrist soon after treatment. After a cast or splint is removed, the physician may recommend some additional rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy to restore movement and strength to the wrist and fingers. Depending on the severity of the injury, six to 12 months may be necessary to regain full use of the wrist. In some cases, patients may not regain full function.
A broken wrist usually results from a fall onto an outstretched hand, most commonly resulting in a broken distal radius or a broken scaphoid bone. The scaphoid bone is shaped like a cashew nut and is located on the thumb side of the wrist close to the radius (the lower arm bone). A broken scaphoid may go undetected because the symptoms don't always include obvious deformity or swelling. Symptoms include pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb.
Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures and occur near the end of the radius, close to the wrist. A distal radius fracture is also called a Colles fracture, named for Irish surgeon Abraham Colles (1773-1843), who first described the condition. The distal radius fracture is usually painful and creates an obvious wrist deformity, causing most patients to seek immediate medical attention. If a patient has wrist pain following an injury, it is important for a physician to examine the wrist for any possible fractures.
Read more about wrist fractures at MayoClinic.com.
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