What is a distal radius and ulna fracture?
A distal radius fracture can be isolated, which means no other fractures are involved. It can also occur along with a fracture of the distal ulna (the forearm bone on the small finger side). In these cases, the injury is called a distal radius and ulna fracture.
How is a distal ulna fracture treated?
Consideration of the treatment of distal ulna metaphyseal fracture should be addressed after treating a distal radius fracture. If it is stable, cast immobilization is preferred, however, if it shows malalignment or instability, an operative method should be considered.
How long does a distal ulna fracture take to heal?
They take an average of 3-6 months to completely heal. By six weeks, patients are extremely comfortable and usually are released to full activities such as manual labor, skiing and motocross by three to four months.
Is distal radius fracture serious?
If you believe that you have fractured your distal radius bone then it is imperative to seek medical attention as soon as possible. When left untreated, wrist fractures can result in further complications that can have long-lasting effects. There are several distal radius fracture options available to patients.
Does a radial fracture need a cast?
Radial head fractures are not treated in a plaster cast, as the fracture is stable. This means you can move the joint without causing damage. It is very important to get your arm moving as soon as possible, to avoid joint stiffness and muscle tightness.
What does a broken ulna feel like?
Pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising in your upper arm. Limited motion in your upper arm and shoulder. Deformity of your injured arm. Shortening of the arm compared to your uninjured arm (if pieces of fractured bone are separated far apart)
Can you move your arm with a broken ulna?
A fracture in the forearm can occur near the wrist, in the middle of the forearm or near the elbow. The forearm motion allows us to rotate our palms up or down. A broken forearm can affect your ability to rotate your arm and even bend or straighten the wrist and elbow.
How long does a distal radius fracture take to heal?
Fractures of the distal radius usually need about 4-6 weeks for clinical bone healing, though sometimes it can take longer. It may take another 6-12 months to regain motion, strength, and function. Many people find they are resuming most of their daily activities about 3-4 months after a broken wrist.
How long does it take for a broken wrist to stop hurting?
A cast might be needed for six to eight weeks, and sometimes even longer depending on the severity of the break. More severe breaks may take as long as six months to fully heal. Discomfort or pain may continue for months or even years after your injury.
How long will I be off work with a broken wrist?
In most cases it takes around 6 to 8 weeks to recover from a broken arm or wrist. It can take longer if your arm or wrist was severely damaged. You will need to wear your plaster cast until the broken bone heals.
What are the different types of distal radius fractures?
Types of Distal Radius Fractures Extra-articular Fracture An extra-articular fracture features a break above the wrist joint; the fracture does not extend into the joint itself. Intra-articular Fracture Intra-articular fractures are wrist fractures that affect the wrist joint. Comminuted Fracture Comminuted fractures involve multiple breaks of the distal radius.
What exactly is a distal radius or Colles’ fracture?
A Colles fracture is a type of distal radius break and occurs when the broken piece of bone points upwards. It was first described by the Irish surgeon and anatomist Abraham Colles in 1814 and named after him. Colles fracture describes a broken wrist.
What is the distal process of the ulna?
The distal head of the ulna is comprised of the articular circumference which articulates with the wrist bones and posteriorly, a bony projection known as the styloid process. Just above it on the medial aspect of the bone, the attachment of the pronator quadratus which runs between the radius and the ulna is positioned.
What does ulna fractures mean?
A Fracture of the Ulnar Bone is a break or crack , in the longer of the two forearm bones, called the ulna A high percentage of adults who sustain forearm fractures, do so in the radius, near the wrist or at the bone shaft, which is considered the middle of the forearm (between the wrist and elbow).