Hand, Wrist & Upper Limb
Distal Radius Fracture
Non-Operative & Operative management
About Your Injury
A distal radius fracture is a break in the radius bone of the forearm, close to the wrist joint. It is one of the most common fractures seen in adults, typically occurring after a fall onto an outstretched hand. The fracture may involve the joint surface itself or occur just above it.
Non-Operative Management
Distal radius fractures can often be safely and effectively managed without surgery. The decision is individualised to each patient, based on patient factors (age, comorbidities, occupation) and specific characteristics of the fracture (location, displacement, articular involvement).
Recovery Timeline
Weeks 0–1
Initial splint or backslab, elevation, and swelling control.
Weeks 1–2
Follow-up X-ray to confirm the fracture has not displaced; conversion to a full cast if needed.
Weeks 4–6
Repeat X-ray to check healing progress; cast usually removed around 6 weeks.
Weeks 6–12
Gradual return of wrist movement and strength, often with hand therapy guidance.
3–6 months
Continued improvement in strength and function; most patients regain near-normal use of the wrist.
Follow-Up Schedule
1–2 weeks
Clinical review and repeat X-ray to confirm the fracture position is maintained.
6 weeks
X-ray to assess healing and consider cast removal.
3 months
Final review to confirm return to normal activities, sooner if concerns arise.
Operative Management
Fractures that are unstable, significantly displaced, or involve the joint surface are treated with surgery to restore normal wrist alignment and allow safe healing.
Surgery is performed through an incision on the palm side of the wrist, using a volar locking plate to hold the fracture in the correct position while it heals. The plate and screws provide stable fixation, allowing earlier movement of the wrist than a cast alone would typically allow. This procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, with local anaesthetic infiltration at the time of surgery for good pain control in the first 12–24 hours afterward, and is usually done as day surgery or with a single overnight stay.
Recovery Timeline
Weeks 0–2
Cast or splint, depending on your bone quality and fracture complexity.
2 weeks onward
Splint, with gradual range-of-motion exercises for the wrist commencing; splint worn at all other times. No heavy lifting or carrying.
6 weeks
Splint removed; gradual increase in lifting and carrying tolerance begins.
3–6 months
Continued improvement in strength and function; most patients regain near-normal use of the wrist.
Follow-Up Schedule
2 weeks
Wound check; transition to splint and commence range-of-motion exercises.
6 weeks
X-ray to assess healing; splint removed and lifting tolerance gradually increased.
3 months
Review of strength and function.
Hardware Removal
The plate and screws are not routinely removed. Removal is only considered if hardware becomes symptomatic — for example, causing local irritation or discomfort.