Distal radius fracture

Description

A common condition in which one of the two long bones near the wrist breaks.

Overview

A distal radius fracture occurs when the larger of the long bones in the forearm breaks near the wrist. This bone is the radius. The break most often occurs when people try to stop a fall and land on an outstretched hand.

Symptoms

Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising and tenderness. The wrist might be bent and hang in an odd way.

Treatments

The broken ends of the bone might need to be put back in place with a procedure called a reduction. Treatment may include a cast or splint and physical therapy. Surgery might be needed to put in pins, plates, rods or screws to hold the bones in place while they heal.