What is distal third radius?

What is distal third radius?

The radius is one of two forearm bones and is located on the thumb side. The part of the radius connected to the wrist joint is called the distal radius. When the radius breaks near the wrist, it is called a distal radius fracture. The break usually happens due to falling on an outstretched or flexed hand.

How long does it take for a distal radius fracture 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 painful is a distal radius fracture?

Results. The majority of patients experienced mild pain at rest and (very) severe high levels of pain with movement during the first two-months following distal radius fracture.

Where is distal radius fracture?

The distal radius is a bone that is located in the forearm. The radius is the larger of the two bones in the area while the end portion towards the wrist is referred to as the distal end. Therefore, when the radius bone close to the wrist breaks its diagnosed as a distal radius fracture.

Do you need surgery for a distal radius fracture?

Non-Surgical Treatment Distal radius fractures do not always require surgery. Many heal just fine without an operation. Minor fractures with minimal displacement do very well with nonsurgical treatment. Other displaced fractures can be “reduced” and casted.

What are the surgical options for treating a distal radius fracture?

Treatment for distal radius fractures: Closed reduction, casting, surgery, fixation and biologics

• Closed reduction.
• Casting.
• Surgery.
• Internal fixation (plates, screws, pins)
• Percutaneous fixation with pins and casting.
• External Fixation.
• Biologics.
• Casting.

Is a distal radius fracture a broken wrist?

The medical term for “broken bone” is fracture. Therefore, the medical term for the most common type of “broken wrist” is a distal radius fracture (that is, the larger forearm bone is broken near the wrist). This kind of fracture is very common. In fact, the radius is the most commonly broken bone in the arm.

How long after having a plate in wrist can I drive?

When can I start driving again? This varies, and can be as much as eight weeks after your cast is removed. You can start driving when you have enough movement and strength to hold the steering wheel firmly and control the car safely.

Does a distal radial fracture need surgery?

While distal radial fracture surgery is not always necessary in order to fix the injury, this type of wrist surgery is one of the most commonly performed by orthopedic physicians.

Do I need surgery for a distal radius fracture?

Do all distal radius fractures need surgery?

Not every patient needs to undergo a distal radial fracture surgery, but regardless of the treatment plan determined by your physician, the goal of the treatment is always to return the bone to its proper position and prevent it from moving out of place until it is sufficiently healed.

What is the complication of distal radius fracture?

Many distal radius fractures can be treated without surgery. Even when monitoring patients in the non-operative setting, many complications can arise including tendon irritation, or rupture, malunion, nonunion, and deformity.

When should I start physical therapy after wrist surgery?

The wrist is usually immobilized for several weeks during this process, and exercises to strengthen the wrist typically begin about 6-8 weeks after surgery; however, some suggest that this period of waiting is not necessary.

How long before you can drive after wrist surgery?

Conclusions: Most patients could safely return to driving within 3 weeks of surgery. Pain was the primary limiting factor affecting driving ability. Safe return to driving may be warranted within 3 weeks of distal radius volar plate fixation in some patients.

When should I start strengthening after a distal radius fracture?

You will start these exercises 5-7 days after surgery, at your first hand therapy visit. Do the wrist/forearm/thumb exercises 3x/day out of your splint. The finger exercises can be done in the splint, every 2 hours.

How long is physical therapy after wrist surgery?

Most people need physical therapy following wrist surgery or a serious fracture. The length of physical therapy depends on numerous factors. Because full recovery can take 4 to 6 months, you may need physical therapy for several months.