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Fractures & Dislocations of the Hand & Wrist > Fractures of the Distal Radius in Adults and Children

What Is a Fracture of the Distal Radius?

A distal radius fracture is one of the most common kinds of fractures (a break in a bone) that can happen to the wrist. It is most commonly caused by falling on an extended hand and usually occurs in children and older adults.

The radius is a bone in your forearm. The distal radius is the end of the forearm bone that is at the wrist. When a person falls on an outstretched hand, the hand suddenly becomes rigid, and the momentum from the fall will cause both a twisting force and a compressing force on your forearm. The kind of injury these forces are likely to cause depends on the age of the person who is injured. In children, and in older adults, such a fall is likely to result in a fracture of the radius.

There are several types of fractures.
  • A non-displaced fracture is one in which the bone cracks and the broken pieces stay in alignment. An X-ray is needed to confirm the break.
  • A torus or ripple fracture that bends the back of the radius away from the growth plate.
  • A displaced fracture is one in which the bone breaks in two or more pieces that move out of alignment. Such a break can be extremely painful and produces a deformity that is easily seen.
  • An open or compound fracture, one in which the ends of the bone are displaced and pierce the skin. In these cases, there is a significant risk of infection.

One of the complications of a distal radius fracture is nerve damage, and acute carpal tunnel syndrome is a definite possibility, although almost unheard of in children.

Causes of Fractures of the Distal Radius?

Distal radius fractures are usually caused by a fall on an outstretched hand. They can also result from direct trauma such as might occur during an auto accident.

Symptoms of a Fracture of the Distal Radius?
  • Pain
  • Tenderness
  • Stiffness
  • Loss of movement
  • Swelling in the affected area. Treatment of a Fracture of the Distal Radius?
For displaced broken bones to heal properly and without serious complications, they need to be moved into position (set) and then held there so the body can repair and replace the damaged bone. The process usually takes between 4 and 12 weeks. As a general rule, children heal faster than adults.

Some fractures can be set by a health professional without surgery, and the bones can be held in place first with a splint and then, after healing has started, with a cast. If the bones are seriously displaced, however, or if there is damage that needs to be repaired, surgery may be needed and the bones may need to be held together with pins or wire. In some cases plates and screws are used to stabilize fractures. Additional structural support in the form of bone grafts is needed to promote healing in more severe fracture patterns.

Drugs are used to treat fractures, both to control pain and to reduce anxiety. At the time a fracture is set, an anesthesia may be used both for the comfort of the patient and to prevent muscle twitching when the bones are moved. Antibiotics will be used if the fracture punctured the skin in order to ward off infection.

With distal radial fractures, muscles may gradually weaken from lack of use during bone healing. A patient may need physical therapy in order to regain proper use of the wrist.

The information provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a licensed physician.

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