Is a broken radius serious?

In severe cases, the fractured bone is so much out of place that it can’t be corrected or realigned without making a surgical incision. An open wrist fracture will require surgical treatment as soon as possible. Surgical treatment methods can possibly affect the future use of the forearm or wrist.

What happens if you break your radius?

You will usually have pain and swelling in the forearm or wrist. You may have a deformity in the shape of the wrist if the fracture is bad enough. The presence of bruising (black and blue discoloration) is common. See your doctor if you have enough pain in your arm to stop you from using it normally.

How long does a broken radius take to heal?

Most distal radius fractures take 3 months or so to heal before you are able to return to all activities, and full recovery from these injuries can take up to 1 year.

How do you fix a broken radius bone?

Nonsurgical Treatment If the distal radius fracture is in a good position, a splint or cast is applied. It often serves as a final treatment until the bone heals. Usually a cast will remain on for up to six weeks. Then you will be given a removable wrist splint to wear for comfort and support.

How long does broken wrist surgery take?

The entire procedure typically takes 30-90 minutes, depending on the severity of the fracture, and is performed under either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia with sedation. In most cases, ORIF wrist surgery is an outpatient surgery, so you can go home the same day.

How do you treat a broken radius?

Can a radius fracture heal on its own?

A broken wrist will heal on its own; however, it may not heal in a functional position. Therefore, the goal of any treatment for a distal radius fracture, whether it involves surgery or a conservative approach, is to realign the bone into its proper position to relieve pain and restore function.

Are you put to sleep for wrist surgery?

In most hospitals, surgery on the hand and wrist is usually performed using regional anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Patients must undergo preoperative tests, fast starting the night before, and spend an hour or more in a recovery room.

How is a broken radius bone treated?

If the distal radius fracture is in a good position, a splint or cast is applied. It often serves as a final treatment until the bone heals. Usually a cast will remain on for up to six weeks. Then you will be given a removable wrist splint to wear for comfort and support.

Do you get a cast after wrist surgery?

Following wrist fracture surgery, you will likely have some sort of wrist support, be it a plaster cast, a brace, or a splint. These should be used according to your doctor’s instructions. Icing your wrist will help reduce swelling and pain.

How long does radius surgery take?

A distal radius ORIF is a 30-90-minute outpatient surgery that is typically performed under either general anesthesia or regional “nerve block” anesthesia. After the patient is comfortable and asleep, the procedure is performed through the following steps: An incision is made on the palm side of the forearm and wrist.