Wrist Fractures

• Pain, swelling, or bruising of the wrist after an injury
• Deformity of the wrist.

There are several treatment options for distal radius fractures which will be discussed between the patient and the orthopedic surgeon. The best treatment depends on factors such as fracture type and patient age.

• Reduction without manipulation - If the fracture is in a good position, treatment may only require immobilization with a cast for several weeks
• Closed reduction with manipulation –If the fracture is out of place a closed reduction with manipulation may be performed. This involves going to the operating room and having the fracture pushed back into place. X-ray is used during the procedure to make sure that the bone fragments are lined up properly. If the fracture is stable, only a cast is applied in the operating room to hold the fracture in a reduced position. This is the usual treatment for pediatric fractures.
• Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning – If the fracture is out of place, is able to be reduced into position without making an incision, but the fracture position cannot be held in place with just a cast, a closed reduction percutaneous pinning may sometimes be performed. This involves going to the operating room and pushing the fracture fragments back into place. X-ray is used to make sure that the pieces are lined up properly. Pins are then inserted to hold the pieces reduced. A splint or cast is placed in the operating room. The pins are kept in place for 4-6 weeks and are removed in the office.
• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) - If a fracture is out of place, but not amenable to closed treatment, an open reduction internal fixation may be performed. ORIF involves making an incision over the fracture so that the fracture fragments can be put back into good position. The fracture fragments are then held in place with either a plate and screws or pins.