What is a comminuted distal radius fracture?
What is a comminuted distal radius fracture?
Comminuted fractures involve multiple breaks of the distal radius. In this type of injury, the bone is broken into several pieces. Open Fracture. Open fractures are serious injuries that require immediate medical care. These injuries involve bone fractures which puncture the skin and are externally exposed.
What is a comminuted wrist fracture?
When a fractured bone breaks the skin, it is called an open fracture. These types of fractures require immediate medical attention because of the risk for infection. Comminuted fracture. When a bone is broken into more than two pieces, it is called a comminuted fracture.
What is the treatment for a comminuted fracture?
How Are Comminuted Fractures Treated? Someone with a comminuted fracture will probably need surgery. Then, he or she will need to wear a splint or cast for a while to keep the bone from moving while it heals.
How long does distal radius take 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.
How long is distal radius fracture surgery?
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.
How long does distal radius fracture take to heal?
When do wrist fractures need surgery?
If your broken wrist is more complicated than just breaking the end of the radius, you’ll likely need surgery to repair it. If the radius was broken higher up on the bone or if you broke both the radius and ulna, it may not heal on its own.
How do you splint a distal radius fracture?
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 long does it take for a radius fracture to heal?
Radial Head Fracture Recovery Time. Most fractures take 6-8 weeks to heal. Swelling and pain could last from one to two weeks. If the fracture is small and there isn’t a lot of bone movement, you will probably wear an arm supporting splint for two to three weeks.
What does distal radius fracture mean?
Distal, is a term that refers to the further end of the bone–that is the portion near the thumb. When the distal radius is fractured, a few outcomes are possible. The term Colle’s fracture is used to describe any fracture of the distal radius. This often happens when people fall on outstretched hands.
Do I need distal radial fracture surgery?
Distal Radius Fractures. Most people have fractures which are well-aligned, and, therefore, do not require surgery. Treatment in these cases is typically rest and protection in a cast or brace for several weeks. Follow-up x-rays are obtained in clinic to evaluate how the fracture is healing.
