Radius Fracture
A break in the larger of the two forearm bones
Quick Facts
- Type: Bone fracture (forearm/wrist)
- Common cause: Fall onto an outstretched hand
- Most common site: Distal radius, near the wrist
- Typical recovery: Several weeks in a cast, then therapy
Overview
A radius fracture is a break in the radius, the larger of the two long bones of the forearm. The radius runs on the thumb side of the forearm and plays a major role in wrist movement and forearm rotation. By far the most common type is a distal radius fracture, which occurs near the wrist, often when someone falls and instinctively puts out a hand to break the fall.
Radius fractures are among the most common broken bones, affecting both active younger people from high-energy injuries and older adults from low-energy falls, particularly when bones are weakened by osteoporosis. Most heal well with proper treatment, which may be a cast or splint for simpler breaks or surgery for those that are displaced or unstable. Early, correct treatment helps restore wrist function and reduces the risk of long-term stiffness or deformity.
Symptoms
A radius fracture usually causes immediate and noticeable symptoms, especially near the wrist:
- Sudden, sharp pain in the wrist or forearm
- Swelling and tenderness over the break
- Bruising that may develop over hours
- A visibly bent or deformed wrist in displaced fractures
- Difficulty or inability to move the wrist or rotate the forearm
- Reduced grip strength
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers if a nerve is irritated
Signs that need urgent attention include a clearly deformed wrist, an open wound over the break with exposed bone, severe swelling, or numbness, tingling, or a cold, pale hand, which may indicate nerve or blood vessel involvement.
Causes
Radius fractures happen when force exceeds the bone's strength:
- Falls: The leading cause, especially landing on an outstretched hand, which drives force up through the wrist.
- High-energy trauma: Car crashes, sports collisions, and falls from height can break the radius anywhere along its length.
- Weak bones: Osteoporosis makes the radius break with relatively minor falls, which is common in older adults.
- Direct blows: A direct impact to the forearm can fracture the radius.
Risk Factors
- Osteoporosis or low bone density
- Older age, with increased fall risk
- Participation in contact or high-speed sports such as skiing, skateboarding, and cycling
- Conditions affecting balance or coordination
- Smoking and poor nutrition, which weaken bone and slow healing
- A previous fracture
Diagnosis
Diagnosis combines an examination with imaging to confirm the break and plan treatment:
- Physical exam: Checking for swelling, tenderness, deformity, range of motion, and the condition of nerves and circulation in the hand.
- X-rays: The main test, showing the location of the fracture, whether the bone is displaced, and whether it extends into the wrist joint.
- CT scan: Sometimes used for complex fractures, especially those involving the joint surface, to guide surgery.
- Bone density testing: Considered in older adults to evaluate for osteoporosis after a low-energy fracture.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how the bone is broken, whether it is displaced, and whether it involves the wrist joint:
- Casting or splinting: Stable, well-aligned fractures are immobilized in a cast or splint for several weeks while the bone heals.
- Closed reduction: A displaced fracture may be realigned without surgery and then held in a cast.
- Surgery: Fractures that are unstable, badly displaced, open, or involve the joint surface often need surgery with plates, screws, pins, or an external frame to hold the bone in position.
- Pain control: Rest, ice, elevation, and appropriate pain relievers help in the early days.
- Rehabilitation: After immobilization, hand therapy restores motion, strength, and function, which is important for a full recovery.
Healing typically takes several weeks, with wrist stiffness improving over the following months. Following up to confirm the bone stays in good position is important.
Prevention
While accidents happen, several measures lower the risk and severity of radius fractures:
- Keep bones strong with adequate calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise
- Get screened and treated for osteoporosis if at risk
- Reduce fall hazards at home, such as loose rugs and poor lighting
- Wear wrist guards for skating, skiing, and snowboarding
- Maintain good balance and strength through regular exercise
- Avoid smoking, which weakens bone
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor promptly after a wrist or forearm injury that causes significant pain, swelling, or trouble using the wrist, even if you can still move it, since fractures are not always obvious.
Seek emergency care right away if the wrist or forearm is visibly deformed or bent, if bone is sticking through the skin, if there is severe swelling, or if the hand or fingers become numb, tingly, pale, or cold. These signs suggest a serious fracture or pressure on nerves or blood vessels that needs immediate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of radius fracture?
The most common is a distal radius fracture, a break near the wrist. It often happens when a person falls and lands on an outstretched hand, driving force up through the wrist into the bone.
Do all radius fractures need surgery?
No. Many are treated successfully with a cast or splint, sometimes after the bone is realigned without surgery. Surgery is reserved for fractures that are unstable, badly displaced, open, or involve the wrist joint surface.
How long does a radius fracture take to heal?
Bone healing usually takes around six weeks, though the exact time depends on the fracture and the person. Wrist stiffness and strength continue to improve over the following months, often helped by hand therapy.
Can I move my wrist if it is broken?
Sometimes. Some people can still move a fractured wrist, especially with a small or non-displaced break, which is why pain and swelling after an injury should be checked even if movement is possible. Inability to move it or a visible deformity makes a fracture more likely.
When is a radius fracture an emergency?
Seek emergency care if the wrist looks deformed, if bone is exposed through the skin, if swelling is severe, or if the hand becomes numb, pale, or cold. These suggest a serious break or pressure on nerves or blood vessels.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Distal Radius Fractures (Broken Wrist).
- Mayo Clinic. Broken wrist — Symptoms and causes.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Osteoporosis.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Wrist injuries and disorders.