Hand & Wrist Center of Houston Home If you suspect broken bones, dislocated joints, lacerated tendons, lacerated nerves, infection, or have an open wound below the elbow, then call us immediately.
 
DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Pre-Op Distal Radius FractureThe main supportive bone for the wrist is called the radius. It is one of the most commonly fractured bones in the entire body, usually by falling while reaching out with the hand. Sometimes the break is only into 2 simple pieces, but usually it is into many pieces. A very important distinction is fractures that split the cartilage of the joint surface that may lead to early arthritis. Often wrist ligament injuries accompany distal radius fractures. Sometimes the median nerve at the carpal tunnel is compressed by fracture swelling. Serious loss of function results when these injuries do not heal in the anatomically correct position.

Post-Op Distal Radius FractureMEDICAL HISTORY

Patients report injuries as simple as tripping on the curb to falling 2 stories off a building. Pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes numbness are the typical symptoms.

EXAMINATION

The doctor will check that nearby tendons and nerves are working correctly. Any examination that can be done for stability will be confined to what the patient tolerates with reasonable comfort.

ADDITIONAL TESTS

Plain x-rays give all the needed information regarding the fracture. They do not tell the whole story about potential ligament injury. Only direct examination of the ligaments under stress while viewing with the arthroscope can accomplish an accurate evaluation of ligament injury.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

 NON-OPERATIVESURGICAL STABILIZATION
CONSISTS OFSplinting then castingFix joint surface like jigsaw puzzle, support in correct position with titanium device, repair any damaged ligaments
FEATURESStays on 5-6 weeksMinimally invasive fiber optic camera to do work in the joint. Open incision to place plate and screws to support bone, possible nerve decompression, removable splint
ADVANTAGESAvoids surgeryStable fixation allows early motion and assurance that all injuries have been treated
DISADVANTAGESCannot prevent an unstable fracture from shifting out of placeInvasive procedure

RECOVERY

After surgery therapy begins the next week to initiate motion rehabilitation. The fracture itself will cause significant stiffness. The sooner and better the rehabilitation, the better the final function. Pins that are left through the skin in the forearm bones to prevent rotating the forearm will be removed in 4 weeks. Pins buried under the skin to support wrist ligament damage will be removed under a local anesthetic at around 8 weeks following surgery. The main plate and screws do not need to ever be removed. A lightweight removable splint is fashioned by the therapist. The patient must be diligent about doing hourly motion exercises to regain the best function possible. Bone healing is usually complete in 8-10 weeks after surgery. Further gains in motion and strength will occur up to a year.
 
 
 
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  • I will miss everyone here, but I am pleased with my healing process and happy with my recovery. - 01/12/11
  • Glad i came to see the wrist center for a second opinion. i feel i am being cared for by the best in the area and i will be able to resume my life. - 01/27/12
  • great job!!! - 01/26/11
  • I have seen 4 other physicians...for my finger laceration and NONE of them explained my condition, options and the science behind the injury as well as Dr. Mark Henry. - 01/05/11
  • Outstanding from start. Already recommended to friend - 12/19/11
  • very good staff - 12/07/11
  • I NOT ONLY LIKED DR. HENRY, BUT ALL OF THE STAFF THAT I MET WERE VERY NICE. I WOULD CERTAINLY RECOMMEND DR. MARK HENRY TO MY FRIENDS. - 02/25/11
  • I had surgery on both hands and I am really impressed with the results of my hands. Thanks Dr. Henry - 08/08/11
  • Wonderful experience very impressed with the care and accuracy they showed to my dad...Thanks - 01/12/11
  • Dr. Henry is remarkable along with his staff and his practice. I recomend Dr. Henry to my friends and co-workers. - 05/18/11
  • Overall the Doctor and Staff has been outstanding - 01/23/12
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  • The staff are always professional and courteous. Often very helpful...Very grateful. Thanks - 12/01/11
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  • ...I believe Dr. Henry is the best and has made a huge difference in our medical situations. I have referred many people and would continue to come until he retires - 11/28/11
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  • Another successful visit, thank you. - 02/08/12
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  • ... I like the office and exam rooms--unique ... - 01/04/11
  • THE DOCTOR AND STAFF ARE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS!!! - 03/03/11
  • Very impressed by every aspect of my visit from the friendliness of everyone to how quickly I was treated. I would definitely recommend this doctor and facility to others. - 12/29/11
  • Absolutey the best place to come if you have any hand issues. - 12/07/11
  • Thanks for eveything! - 09/12/11
  • Dr. Henry and his staff are remarkable..very organized and informed. Everyone, including Dr. Henry, is both professional and friendly. I would and have recommended this office to anyone!! Thank you! - 08/02/11
  • Luis was extremely helpful and professional assisting me, a NCM, with my problem. Please give him a cookie or a raise. - 09/20/11
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  • Very informative - 11/30/11
  • This entire experience thus far has been amazing. The staff has been great and very helpful. Thank you hand and wrist center. - 08/02/11
  • I will definately recommend Dr. Henry to anyone who has hand and/or wrist problems. Very personable and professional as well as thorough !!! - 04/01/11
  • l staff is considerate and friendly! We love everyone! - 11/16/11
  • I am very pleased with the service received from Dr. Henry. He is a very great doctor. - 09/19/11
  • Dr Henry did a wonderfull job and fixed the problems I had with no pain or worry. - 01/17/11
  • I've already recommended others to Dr. Henry because of his outstanding abilities to take care of his patients and his excellent staff of professionals. - 02/08/12
  • Very greatful the staff took care of me was thankful they all showed so much care. hopefully i dont have to come back but if i do i knonw i will get treated with outstanding care. - 08/25/11
  • All the staff is great, they all do an outstanding job and make me feel welcomed every time i come in. - 01/21/11
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