What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Broken Radius
• Broken Wrist
• Colles’ Fracture

What is Distal Radius Fracture? (Definition/Background Information)

• The forearm (between the wrist and elbow) consists of two bones - radius and ulna; the radius is the larger of the two bones
• A Distal Radius Fracture is a break or crack that involves the part of the radius closest to the wrist. Hence, it is also referred to as a Wrist Fracture. The radius is the most commonly fractured bone in the arm
• It is usually caused by a high-energy impact that results from an athletic sport, motor vehicle accident, or a fall. Overall, men have a higher incidence rate
• Treatments associated with a Broken Radius include both nonsurgical and surgical methods

There are several different types of Distal Radius Fractures, some of which are categorized based on the injury impact force. The fracture types include:

• Open fracture: In this type of fracture, the bone breaks and pierces the skin, requiring immediate medical treatment. Apart from this, ligament, muscle, and tendon damage, may also occur
• Closed fracture: In this type, the bones do not pierce the skin. However, injury to the soft tissues under the skin, may occur
• Displaced fracture: In this type of fracture, the bone may fragment around the point of breakage and get misaligned; hence, surgery is usually required
• Comminuted fracture: In a comminuted fracture, the bone is broken into three or more pieces. It is considered one of the most unstable type of fracture
• Intra-articular fracture: An intra-articular fracture refers to a fracture that extends to, or is within the joint
• Extra-articular fracture: An extra-articular fracture refers to a fracture that does not extend to, or involve the joint

Who gets Distal Radius Fracture? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Distal Radius Fractures are non-specific fractures, and as such, may occur in individuals of any age, race, ethnic group, and gender
• Overall, men who are physically active, have a higher rate of incidence
• Elderly adults, also seem to have an increased risk of such fractures (due to the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis)

What are the Risk Factors for Distal Radius Fracture? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with a Distal Radius Fracture include:

• Participation in any rough or high-impact sport
• Reduced bone mass, due to degenerative bone disease (osteoporosis)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Distal Radius Fracture? (Etiology)

The causes associated with a Distal Radius Fracture include:

• Taking part in any rough or high-impact sport
• Direct trauma to the radius/wrist due to an automobile accident
• Falling from a significant height; especially landing on one’s wrist (or the fracture occurring since the individual is overweight)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Distal Radius Fracture?

Signs and symptoms of a Distal Radius Fracture include:

• Sharp pain at the site of injury
• Tenderness to touch
• Noticeable bruising, swelling  at the wrist/fracture spot
• Abnormal deformity

How is Distal Radius Fracture Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose a Distal Radius Fracture include:

• Physical examination: A thorough physical examination is important in identifying any noticeable deformities, swelling, contusions, in the radius/wrist. Individuals are also expected to provide an explanation of the circumstances that caused the injury. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-ray: X-rays are the most common method in evaluating a fracture, if the bone has been displaced. This diagnostic test helps provide a clear image of the bone, identify the exact location of the injury, and determine the extent of the fracture
• Computerized tomography (CT): A CT scan takes a series of x-ray images from several different angles. These images are then merged to create cross-sectional images of bones and soft tissues of the arm/wrist. This diagnostic test helps a physician evaluate the severity of the injury

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Distal Radius Fracture?

Complications associated with Distal Radius Fracture include:

• Permanent damage to certain nerves and blood vessels
• Abnormal deformity of the wrist
• Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
• Abnormal pressure build-up within the muscles of the arm/wrist that reduces blood flow, preventing oxygen and nourishment from reaching the nerve and muscle cells (termed as compartment syndrome)

How is Distal Radius Fracture Treated?

The treatments associated with a Distal Radius Fracture include both nonsurgical and surgical methods.

The nonsurgical treatment methods include:

• Any activity that aggravates the foot condition should be avoided. The physician may advise the individual to refrain from participating in any physical activities, till the pain stops or symptoms get better
• Applying ice to the arm/wrist can help reduce pain and swelling
• Complete immobilization of the wrist/arm with a splint or cast, may be required to restrict movement
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as indomethacin and naproxen, may be used to treat a Distal Radius Fracture. These medications can help decrease the pain and swelling
• Individuals are likely to need physical therapy exercises after the cast is removed. The goals of these exercises are to strengthen the muscles within the arm/wrist, improve flexibility, and decrease stiffness. It may take several months for an individual to complete the physical therapy program and regain full strength and functionality

Surgical treatment methods include:

• Closed reduction: Closed reduction is a surgical method that involves realigning the scaphoid bone back to its original position, without making an incision at the fracture site. This procedure is usually performed under a general anesthesia, or with conscious sedation using muscle relaxants
• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): Open reduction is a surgical procedure to realign the fractured bone, to its original position. Surgical hardware (such as plates, screws, or rods) is then used to stabilize the fractured bone under the skin

How can Distal Radius Fracture be Prevented?

To prevent a Distal Radius Fracture, individuals should be careful and consciously aware, while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Children must be provided a safe environment to work, study, or play. Any possible dangers should also be anticipated and appropriate safety measures adopted.

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or a Radius Fracture include:

• Individuals who participate in any high-risk sports, such as football, should wear appropriate safety equipment to help prevent the possibility of such fractures
• Wearing appropriate footwear (such as the proper shoe size) may help prevent accidents
• Consuming foods rich in calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, help build bone strength. Regular diet with appropriate calcium-intake is recommended, even after a Distal Radius Fracture. For women, the recommended amount of calcium, increases with age and menopause
• Perform weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones

What is the Prognosis of Distal Radius Fracture? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The long term prognosis of Distal Radius Fractures is usually good, in a majority of individuals
• A full recovery and a return to sports or normal daily activities usually require 4-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture. However, a severe injury may require at least 6 months of intense physical therapy, to achieve optimal results
• When properly treated, usually under the guidance of a physiotherapist/specialist, a high percentage of individuals regain their full strength and range of motion in the injured arm

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Distal Radius Fracture:

Distal Radius Fracture was first described in 1814 by an Irish surgeon and anatomist, Abraham Colles; hence,it is also called as Colles’ Fracture.