Distal radius fracture surgery Perth
Distal radius fracture surgery
A distal radius fracture is one of the most common wrist injuries. It’s a break at the end of the forearm bone on the thumb side of the wrist. If this fracture heals out of place, it can lead to pain, deformity, or loss of movement.
At The Wrist + Hand Institute Perth, our wrist and hand surgeons use advanced fixation techniques, including minimally invasive and arthroscopic-assisted surgery, to restore alignment and stability. The aim is not just to fix the bone, but to help you return to everyday life with a wrist that is strong, functional and pain-free.
Common concerns
A broken wrist often raises a lot of worries; people wonder if it will mean months in plaster, a bent wrist that never looks right, or never getting full movement back.
In some cases, if the break is simple and the bone is still in place (an ‘undisplaced’ fracture), it can heal well in a plaster cast or splint. These injuries do need regular X-rays to make sure the bone doesn’t shift while it heals.
Other fractures are more complex and often need surgery. This includes breaks that extend into the joint (‘intra-articular’), those with several pieces of bone (‘comminuted’), or where the bone has slipped out of position (‘displaced’). If these aren’t treated properly, the bone can heal in the wrong place, leading to pain, loss of movement, or problems with rotation and grip.
That’s why early diagnosis and the right treatment are so important. Surgery can restore the bone to its correct alignment, and it can be done safely even in older patients who are otherwise active.
What is a distal radius fracture?
It’s a break at the end of the radius(one of the two long forearm bones) on the thumb side near the wrist. This area is key for rotation (turning your palm up and down) and wrist stability.
Do all distal radius fractures need surgery?
Who this surgery is for
Distal radius fracture surgery may be recommended if:
- The fracture is comminuted, displaced, unstable, open or involves the wrist joint.
- You rely on your upper limb for independence, and long-term function matters.
- There are associated injuries in the wrist.
- You want to avoid the risk of deformity, stiffness or arthritis in the future.
If a distal radius fracture heals out of place it is called a ‘mal-union’, and it can impede the function of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This joint is responsible for forearm rotation. Mal-union can cause pain and instability, making it difficult to turn the palm up or down (pronation and supination), grip strongly, or move the wrist without discomfort.
Types and options
Treatment depends on the complexity and severity of the fracture.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
For many distal radius fractures, the bone is repositioned (“reduced”) and fixed with a plate and screws using an open surgical technique. If there’s a defect or gap in the bone, it may be filled with artificial bone graft. This restores a stable platform for the wrist and allows early movement.
Arthroscopic-assisted distal radius fixation
If the fracture extends into the joint, arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) is used. Using a 1.9 mm arthroscope (a small camera inserted into the wrist), the surgeon restores the alignment of the joint surface under direct vision. The fracture is then fixed in place using wires, plates and screws. A portable X-ray is used at the same time to confirm alignment during surgery. This ensures the articular surface is accurately repaired and reduces the risk of long-term arthritis.
Both options focus on more than just straight bones on an X-ray. They are about giving you back the ability to rotate the forearm, move the wrist, and retain your independence.
What happens in surgery?
Distal radius surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic.
- For ORIF, the fracture is realigned using an open surgical technique and fixed with a plate and screws. Artificial bone graft may be inserted if there’s a gap.
- For arthroscopic-assisted surgery, a small camera is inserted into the joint to realign the bone fragments which are fixed in place using wires. The larger fragments are then secured with a plate and screws.
Most people go home after one night in hospital. The next day you’ll see a hand therapist, who will fit you with a removable splint. You will begin gentle supervised movement right away. Early movement is key to avoiding stiffness.
Recovery and results
Distal radius fractures typically take 6–8 weeks to heal. Because fixation is stable, gentle motion usually starts immediately after surgery.
ORIF
Splint support with early movement; function improves over weeks to months.
Arthroscopic-assisted fixation
Same early movement benefits, with added accuracy for complex joint fractures.
Hand therapy supports recovery by restoring strength, motion, and rotation. Full recovery may take several months, and outcomes vary depending on the severity and complexity of the break.
Surgery risks
All surgery carries risks. For distal radius fracture surgery, these may include infection, bleeding, nerve or vessel injury, tendon irritation, stiffness and mal-union or non-union. There are also small risks linked to anaesthesia, which your anaesthetist will discuss with you before surgery.
Wrist surgeon Perth
Next steps
If you’ve broken your wrist, early diagnosis and the right treatment can improve your chances of retaining long-term function.
Our surgeons at The Wrist + Hand Institute Perth operate at multiple hospitals including Bethesda Hospital (Claremont), Hollywood Hospital, St John of God Mt Lawley, South Perth Hospital and Sundew Day Surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of surgery are used for distal radius fracture surgery?
Distal radius fracture surgery can be performed in different ways depending on the severity and complexity of the break. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) involves repositioning the bone and holding it in place with a plate and screws using an open surgical technique. Arthroscopic-assisted distal radius fixation uses a small camera to look inside the joint and guide re-alignment of the fragments, which is particularly helpful for complex fractures that extend into the wrist joint.