How long does it take for distal radius fracture to heal?

How long does it take for distal radius fracture to heal?

The wrist and arm should be functional for most activity by 8 to 10 weeks after surgery. After about 3 to 6 months, most patients can resume heavier wrist or arm activity and sports.

Is a distal radius fracture a broken arm?

The end toward the wrist is called the distal end. A fracture of the distal radius occurs when the area of the radius near the wrist breaks. Distal radius fractures are very common. In fact, the radius is the most commonly broken bone in the arm.

Is a distal radius fracture a broken wrist?

Therefore, the medical term for the most common type of “broken wrist” is a distal radius fracture (that is, the larger forearm bone is broken near the wrist). This kind of fracture is very common. In fact, the radius is the most commonly broken bone in the arm.

What happens if a wrist fracture is left untreated?

A scaphoid fracture can lead to wrist osteoarthritis, especially if the fracture is untreated and does not heal correctly. This is called “nonunion.” Severe cases of this kind of osteoarthritis can lead to an incorrect alignment of wrist bones in what is called scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC).

How does a distal radius fracture happen?

When the radius breaks near the wrist, it is called a distal radius fracture. The break usually happens due to falling on an outstretched or flexed hand. It can also happen in a car accident, a bike accident, a skiing accident or another sports activity.

Can I drive with a broken wrist in a cast?

Conclusion: It is recommended that all medical professionals advise their patients that they should not drive while immobilised in an upper limb plaster cast.

Do you need physical therapy after broken wrist?

Distal radius fractures—as these injuries are called—are often serious and may require surgery, but regardless of what treatment is needed, physical therapy will be essential to ensure that you have a complete recovery.

How long should you take off work with a broken wrist?

This depends on your job. In general terms your wrist will take six to eight weeks to heal fully and during this time you will be unable to lift heavy items or do heavy manual work. However if you can do office-based duties you can potentially return to work with your plaster on before this time.

Why do fractures hurt more at night?

During the night, there is a drop in the stress hormone cortisol which has an anti-inflammatory response. There is less inflammation, less healing, so the damage to bone due to the above conditions accelerates in the night, with pain as the side-effect.

Is surgery required for wrist fracture?

You might assume that a broken wrist always needs surgery because that’s the outcome for many broken bones. However, surgery isn’t necessary in all cases. Sometimes your wrist heals on its own.

What type of fracture is a distal radius fracture?

Distal radius fractures are one of the most common types of bone fractures. They occur at the end of the radius bone near the wrist. Depending on the angle of the break, distal radius fractures can be classified into two types: Colles or Smith. Falls are the main cause of distal radius fractures.