How many months does it take to heal a broken wrist?

It might take 8 weeks or longer for your wrist to heal. More severe breaks may not fully mend for 6 months. You and your doctor will decide when you are fully recovered. Don’t rush back into your activity too soon.

What causes chronic wrist pain after a distal radius fracture?

Over time, this increased load can lead to a condition called ulnar impaction syndrome. This is one of the more common reasons patients have chronic ulnar sided wrist pain following a distal radius fracture. This occurs when the distal end of the ulna with its increased weightbearing load, wear through the TFCC.

Why is the distal radius of the arm broken?

The distal radius is commonly broken because it bears 80% of the force when falling on an outstretched arm. This is why more people break this bone (radius) instead of the other bone in the forearm, the ulna.

What’s the prognosis for a distal radius fracture?

The prognosis for simple distal radius fractures is generally excellent. The more comminuted distal radius fractures and those that involve other injuries to the ligaments of the wrist are more likely to result in longer healing time and may require more extensive physical therapy to regain wrist function.

What happens to articular cartilage after a wrist fracture?

Because the distal radius makes up part of the wrist joint surface, a fracture of the distal radius may damage the articular cartilage surface. This may lead to wear and tear osteoarthritis of the wrist joint months or years after the fracture has healed.

When does the distal radius of a wrist break?

A Colles fracture occurs when the broken end of the radius tilts upward. Other ways the distal radius can break include: Intra-articular fracture.

Why does my wrist hurt after a wrist fracture?

A common problem from a broken wrist (distal radius fracture) is pain after the fracture has healed. The distal radius is commonly broken because it bears 80% of the force when falling on an outstretched arm. This is why more people break this bone (radius) instead of the other bone in the forearm, the ulna.

When do symptoms of distal radius fracture go away?

Patients experience profound pain and disability immediately following a distal radius fracture. The normal course of recovery is for symptoms to become mild within three months. Prolonged pain or disablement occurs for a minority of patients.

What is the most common cause of a distal radius fracture?

Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010. The most common cause of a distal radius fracture is a fall onto an outstretched arm. Osteoporosis (a disorder in which bones become very fragile and more likely to break) can make a relatively minor fall result in a broken wrist.