Fracture of the radius of the wrist

For every person, hands are an important part of the body. Thanks to them, we can perform certain actions. Unpleasant sensations, pain, and discomfort are the consequences of an arm injury.

A fracture of the wrist’s radius bone is very serious. When this happens, the use of the hand is minimized. Usually, doctors apply a particular cast or brace to help the arm keep moving. If the fracture is severe, doctors may operate on the arm.

Carpal Radius Fracture Overview

Hand injuries usually occur unexpectedly. The radius bone is connected to the bones of the wrist. This allows us to turn, bend, and move our arms. A radius fracture can be caused by severely bending the arm or by falling. When a person falls on the wrist and pulls the arm, this fracture is the result.

The fracture is very painful, characterized by swelling and severe pain. When a person breaks their arm, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Your arm will be immobilized for some time. This approach helps the bones fuse correctly and does not cause pain. In mild cases, the arm is only immobilized with a special plaster. 

Carpal Radius Fracture Types

There are many types of radius fractures that have different meanings and occurrences. They are characterized by the cause and location of the fracture. Here are the main ones:

• Colles fracture. This fracture typically causes sharp pain and occurs away from the wrist. With this fracture, the wrist goes backward. 
• Smith’s fracture. This fracture is characterized by forward bending of the wrist. It causes burning, sharp pain, and throbbing.
• Barton’s fracture. This fracture involves several parts of the hand and is characterized by pain. The surface of the wrist and the joint of the radius bone are severely affected by this fracture.
• Montague fracture. A combination of trauma characterizes this fracture. It causes a lot of pain.

Distal Radius Fracture

One of the most common hand fractures is a distal radius fracture. It usually occurs at the point where the wrist meets the radius bone. This fracture is quite severe, as the arm takes a long time to heal. The use of the hand will be limited for some time.

Such a fracture occurs when a heavy load or a fall and the wrist is broken. The fracture causes severe burning pain. Burning sensation, sharp pain and swelling are caused by this fracture. You should immediately seek medical attention. The main thing with such a fracture is to act quickly so that the bone fuses properly. In this case, after a while you will forget about the pain.

Colles Fracture: Description and Characteristics

One of the most common types of radius fractures is the Colles fracture. This fracture is characterized by severe pain. Swelling and a lump appear on the arm, which throbs and is extremely painful. This fracture occurs as a result of a fall on an outstretched arm. It happens a few centimeters before the wrist joints. This type of radius fracture is associated with severe pain. The bone is deformed, and the arm looks backward and in a twisted position. In case of such a fracture, you should immediately consult a doctor. He will examine the arm and apply a special splint or cast. After some time, you will be able to restore the functionality of the arm.

Smith Fracture: Description and Characteristics

Smith fracture is another of the most well-known types of radius fractures. It is characterized by damage to the wrist itself. When a person is struck by a hand or falls on a bent wrist, this fracture occurs. With this injury, the wrist is bent forward.

Such an injury to the hand is excruciating, which later turns into swelling. After that, a large bruise and hematoma appear on the hand. In case of such a fracture, you should immediately seek medical attention. In a mild fracture, a person can be put in an exceptional cast, and the arm can be fixed. In complicated cases, surgical intervention is required.

Barton Fracture: Description and Characteristics

A fracture of the radius of the wrist always causes pain and has unpleasant consequences. Barton’s fracture is a serious fracture when the joints are torn. Such a fracture occurs during a severe bruise of the straight arm or when a person falls on the straight arm. Such a fracture is characterized by displacement of the joints depending on the type.

The pain is very severe and causes swelling of the hand. It can completely impair the arm’s function. In case of such a fracture, you should immediately seek medical attention. A prompt examination of the hand will help to provide quick assistance. After some time, the person can return to a normal lifestyle.

Other Types

In addition to the above types of fractures, there are no less severe types of radius fractures. These fractures also have their names and impact on the functioning of the hand. Fractures can be closed or open. For the first type, the doctor usually uses a special splint or cast. This approach allows immobilizing the arm so that the bones can heal again. The second type is characterized by surgical intervention. The surgeon sews the open wound and specially treats and bandages the arm. In both cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor for medical care. There are fractures caused by direct blows to the arm. Partial fractures are also known when the bone is cracked but not wholly fractured.

Intra-Articular and Extra-Articular Fractures

It is the fracture of the radius of the wrist that causes pain and discomfort. There are also intra-articular and extra-articular fractures. Here are their main characteristics:

• Intra-articular. Such fractures have a huge impact on the joints. They affect the cartilage and interfere with the normal functioning of the arm. After such fractures, a person often faces a disease such as arthritis. These fractures require a complete rebuilding of the arm. This approach allows the bones to fuse up normally and avoid pain in the future.
• Extra-articular fractures. Such fractures are characterized by damage to the bone only. A prompt visit to a doctor will help a person quickly regain use of their arm. Such a radius fracture is the least traumatic for a person.

Open and Closed Fractures

A fracture of the radius of the wrist can be a severe injury to the arm. The known types of fractures are closed and open. They have different symptoms and impacts on the human hand and appearance.

• Open fracture. Such a fracture can occur from any strong impact or falling. It is characterized by the fact that the bone breaks through the soft tissue of the hand. Such a wound looks very scary and causes acute and severe pain. Such a fracture is very dangerous and has negative consequences. With such a fracture, there is a high risk of infection. Scars and scars remain after this fracture. In case of its occurrence, you should immediately consult a doctor for urgent help.
• Closed fracture. Such a radius fracture is less traumatic and safer than an open one. It does not destroy the skin and has no severe consequences. Such a fracture is characterized by bone cracking. It is essential to seek medical attention in time.

Comminuted Fractures

Fracture of the radius of the wrist also includes comminuted fracture. It is one of the most dangerous and complex fractures. Its consequences can leave memories for a long time. This fracture usually occurs after a severe injury. A car accident, a fall from a skyscraper, or a very severe bruise to the arm can cause this fracture. It causes severe pain, swelling, and bruising. Such a fracture does not occur in one place. Usually, there are many cracks and fractures in the bone. After receiving such an injury, you should immediately consult a doctor. The surgeon will perform surgery to repair most of the injuries after the fracture. For some time, the arm will not function normally, as it needs to fuse up. After surgery, the doctor will wrap the arm well and put on a special splint or cast.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are many causes of radius fracture. Maintaining our health is essential for a happy life. Unfortunately, most people do not appreciate this and get seriously injured. Constant stress, especially in athletes, can cause a fracture. Age plays a vital role in our sex and bone strength. As we age, our bones become weaker, which sometimes causes fractures. Carelessness can also cause a fracture. Car accidents and heights are the most common factors that affect fractures. It is during such situations that they are huge and can pose a threat to human health and life. Excessive consumption of medications can also negatively affect bone strength.

Common Causes

The most common causes of total fractures of the radius of the wrist are accidents. Here are the main ones:

• Car accidents always have dire consequences. A person can suffer various injuries, the most common being fractures. 
• Falls from heights are a major risk for injury. Carelessness or a love of extreme sports can cause fractures.
• Stress and overactivity are the most common causes of injury.
• Genetic diseases, age, and medications cause bones to weaken. This can have a significant impact on fractures and injuries from minor injuries.

Falls on Outstretched Hand (FOOSH)

Injuries and fractures can usually occur due to carelessness. When a person falls, they often extend their arms to catch themselves, risking injury to their hands and wrists. These types of radius fractures can have different consequences. The wrist or forearm is affected. Usually, after such an injury, there is severe pain, bruising, and bruising. It is essential to see a doctor in a timely manner. You will be provided with special care, and splints or a cast will be applied. For some time, the arm will be limited in its functionality until it heals completely.

Trauma and Accidents (e.g., Car Accidents, Sports Injuries)

Most fractures occur due to specific incidents and injuries. The most common are car accidents and sports-related fractures. For a person, a radius fracture has adverse effects in the short term. The functioning of the hand becomes impossible for some time.

• Car accidents cause frequent fractures that have serious consequences. Being careful on the road is the biggest priority when you are a driver. You are also responsible for passengers and pedestrians.
• Frequent injuries occur during overtime. For athletes, extreme speed and physical activity are the main things. It is essential to be responsible in sports to prevent injuries or fractures.

Treatment Options

Regardless of the types of radius fractures, you should seek medical attention. Treatment options have different meanings for each injury. The options are determined by the type and size of the injury. For mild injuries, a special splint or cast is usually applied. In complicated cases, surgery is performed. Special treatment is prescribed for fractures and injuries associated with diseases.

Non-Surgical Treatments

The injury to the arm and radius fracture plays a significant role in the severity of the fracture. If the injury is minor and does not have serious consequences, the doctor will not perform surgery. Usually, the doctor examines the injured area and selects unique methods of treatment. Applying a special splint and plaster will help the bones to fuse up. Painkillers will help you feel comfortable. For some time, the arm will lose its function, as it will be immobilized.

Surgical Treatment

For a complicated case of a fracture of the radius of the wrist, the doctor performs a surgical intervention. It is essential to treat the injured area in a timely manner and cure it. The surgeon can manipulate cartilage, joints, and bones. The doctor also sews the damaged soft tissue of the hand. Support tools will relieve pain. Regular hand care will speed up its recovery.