Distal Radius Fracture (Broken Wrist)
Top Washington D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia Orthopedic Surgeons Specializing in Distal Radius Fracture (Broken Wrist)
This condition is a break of the radius bone at the wrist. The radius is the larger of the two bones that connect the wrist to the elbow. The other bone is called the ulna. The radius supports the majority of forces at the wrist joint with its large joint surface. A fracture of the distal end of the radius - the end nearest the wrist -is one of the most common types of fractures. It may be part of a complex injury that involves other tissues, nerves and bones of the wrist.
What is a distal radius fracture?
This detailed video describes a distal radius fracture, or a broken wrist. The video outlines its causes, symptoms, and treatment. Distal radius fractures can range from simple, clean breaks to severe fractures with multiple bone fragments. The bones can then be stabilized with a cast, splint, or brace that may cover only the wrist and forearm or may extend to above the elbow. If the bones cannot be realigned with this method, surgery may be required.