The radius is one of two bones that make up the forearm. A distal radius fracture is a fracture of the radius that has occurred near the wrist.
Distal radius fractures are common and are often associated with a fall on an outstretched hand. They are diagnosed based on history, examination and imaging (x-ray and/or CT scan).
Distal radius fractures vary in severity. Some can be successfully managed with splinting while others require surgery to realign the fractured bone in the correct anatomical position to heal. Surgery may be performed via open incision or arthroscopically depending on the fracture configuration. Most distal radius fractures unite at 6-8 weeks.