Understanding your injury

A distal radius fracture breaks the forearm bone near the wrist, often after falling onto an outstretched hand. The ulna, ligaments or joint surface may also be injured. Assessment includes wounds, deformity, finger movement, circulation and sensation. X-rays show alignment and joint involvement; more detailed imaging may be needed for complex injuries. Treatment considers the fracture and the demands you place on your hand.

Treatment and the procedure

A fracture with satisfactory alignment may be managed with a splint or cast. If displaced, the bones may be manipulated under suitable pain control before immobilisation. Surgery is considered when acceptable alignment cannot be obtained or maintained, or when other features require it. Fixation may use wires, plates and screws or an external frame. Follow-up may include repeat X-rays because some fractures move during healing.

Benefits, risks and expectations

If surgery is planned, discuss bleeding, anaesthetic risks and complex regional pain syndrome as well as the risks specific to your injury. Your general health and the extent of surgery affect your personal risk.

Treatment aims to achieve a useful, comfortable wrist. Some lasting stiffness, discomfort or change in appearance can remain even after the bone heals.
Discuss infection, nerve or tendon injury, tendon irritation or rupture, loss of position, metalwork symptoms, poor healing, arthritis and further surgery.
Complex regional pain syndrome can cause disproportionate ongoing pain, swelling, colour change and stiffness. Persistent symptoms need review rather than simply waiting for them to settle.

Rehabilitation and aftercare

Follow the written instructions for cast or splint use, wound care and lifting limits. Keep the cast dry and elevate as advised. Finger movement and exercises for uninjured joints are usually encouraged; wrist and strengthening exercises begin when authorised. Hand therapy may help with swelling, stiffness, scar sensitivity and grip. Return to driving, work and sport is individual. A low-energy fracture may prompt bone-health and falls assessment.

When to get urgent help

Seek emergency assessment for a cold or discoloured hand, worsening numbness, or severe increasing pain. Contact your team promptly about fever, discharge, a tight cast or difficulty moving the fingers.
New inability to lift the tip of the thumb needs prompt review. Call 999 for chest pain or severe breathlessness.

Your consultation

Ask whether the joint surface is involved, how stable the fracture is and whether surgery would improve your expected function. Consent includes alternatives and any planned wire or metalwork removal.

Your consent discussion

Use the patient pack to record your priorities, the proposed procedure, its alternatives, the benefits you hope for and risks that matter to you. A clinician will discuss your individual circumstances and complete the appropriate hospital consent process with you.

Reading or downloading a guide does not give consent. You can ask further questions, decline treatment or change your mind before the procedure.

Distal radius and wrist fractures