Distal Radius Wrist Fractures
It all begins with an idea.
With the cold weather, we will soon likely be seeing several clients coming out of their casts from a fall causing a distal radius fracture (also known as Colle’s Fracture). This type of fracture can occur in several ways, the most frequent cause is by falling on an outstretched hand.
The distal radius fracture is the most common fracture of the wrist. The radius bone is the larger bone in the arm (from wrist to elbow) and the site of this type of fracture occurs closer to the wrist.
The key to medical management is to re-establish the best possible alignment between the bone fragments. This can happen with either casting only or surgical fixation to set bones in alignment. Bone healing will take between 3-8 weeks and the recovery period takes between 9-12 months for full function.
While in a cast is it optimal to move all un-casted joints freely.
It is normal to feel sore and weak after the cast is removed. Hand therapy after the cast is removed will likely involve movement for the wrist and the continuation of movement in the hand, elbow, and shoulder joints. When appropriate, strengthening will be incorporated into the therapy program to help maximize function of the hand and wrist.