How long does it take for a fracture of the radius to heal?
This usually subsides about a month or two after the cast is removed. In case of severe trauma, like that caused by a motorcycle crash, some residual stiffness can remain for about 2 years or even permanently. Full distal radius fracture recovery generally takes about a year.
How do you treat a radial wrist fracture?
Nonsurgical Treatment If the distal radius fracture is in a good position, a splint or cast is applied. It often serves as a final treatment until the bone heals. Usually a cast will remain on for up to six weeks. Then you will be given a removable wrist splint to wear for comfort and support.
How painful is a distal radius fracture?
Immediate sharp pain after the accident takes place. Sometimes the fracture may be accompanied by the sound or the sensation of a bone breaking. You may experience abnormal swelling and tenderness in the wrist immediately that only worsens. A numbness that doesn’t allow you to move your fingers or hand.
Do you need surgery for a distal radius fracture?
When a distal radius fracture is complex or unstable, it will most likely require a surgical approach to ensure the fracture stays in place during the healing process.
What does a fractured radius feel like?
Symptoms of a distal radius fracture include, but are not limited to, the following: Immediate, sharp wrist pain at the moment of a fall or accident, sometimes accompanied by the sound or sensation of a snap. Wrist swelling and tenderness, which begins right away and continues to get worse.
How long does distal radius fracture surgery take?
A distal radius ORIF is a 30-90-minute outpatient surgery that is typically performed under either general anesthesia or regional “nerve block” anesthesia. After the patient is comfortable and asleep, the procedure is performed through the following steps: An incision is made on the palm side of the forearm and wrist.
Are fractures worse than breaks?
Some people assume that fractured bones are more serious than broken bones, while others assume it’s the other way around. But the truth is that these terms are used interchangeably, and they have the same meaning to medical professionals.
