Medically reviewed by: Mark A. Yaffe(opens in a new tab), MD — Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Subspecialty Certified in Hand Surgery
Key Takeaways
- A distal radius fracture is the medical term for a broken wrist, a break in the larger forearm bone near the wrist, and it is the most common type of wrist fracture, often caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand.
- It can look like a bad sprain, so pain, swelling, and bruising after a fall should be checked with an exam and X-rays rather than waiting to see if they settle.
- Many stable, well-aligned fractures heal with a splint or cast, while surgery is generally considered when the bone is displaced, unstable, involves the joint surface, or does not heal properly.
- Bone healing typically takes about six to eight weeks, but regaining motion and strength can take several months, and hand therapy often helps.
- Numbness, fingers that look pale or cold, or an open wound need prompt care, and seeing a hand surgeon early helps the bone heal in the right position.
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What Is a Broken Wrist (Distal Radius Fracture)?
A broken wrist most often means a fracture of the distal radius, the end of the larger of the two forearm bones nearest the wrist. A distal radius fracture(opens in a new tab) is the most common type of wrist fracture, and for a general definition, this article on wrist fracture basics(opens in a new tab) is a helpful starting point. The wrist contains many other small bones, and any of them can break too, but the distal radius is the one that breaks most often.
Fractures vary a great deal. Some are small cracks in which the bone stays in position, while others are displaced, meaning the pieces have shifted, or extend into the wrist joint. Treating these injuries is part of broader hand and wrist(opens in a new tab) care, and the type of fracture is what drives the treatment plan.
What Causes a Broken Wrist, and Who Is at Risk?
The most common cause is a fall onto an outstretched hand, which sends force through the wrist. Other causes and risk factors include:
- Slips on ice, wet floors, or uneven ground
- Bike, scooter, skating, and skiing falls, and other sports injuries(opens in a new tab)
- Car accidents and direct blows to the wrist
- Thinner, weaker bone, such as with osteoporosis, which can lead to a break from a fall from standing height
- Falls on the job
Distal radius fractures happen in children, adults, and older adults. In people over about 50, a wrist break from a simple fall can be a sign of thinning bone, so it may be worth asking your doctor about bone density testing.
Symptoms of a Broken Wrist
Signs of a broken wrist often appear right after an injury and may include:
- Pain and tenderness in the wrist that is often severe and worse with movement or pressure
- Swelling and bruising that may spread toward the fingers
- A bent or crooked wrist, although a fracture can be present even when the wrist looks normal
- Trouble turning the forearm, bending the wrist, or gripping
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers, fingers that look pale or cold, or an open wound, which need prompt care
A break can look very much like a bad sprain, and symptoms alone can't confirm which one you have. For more on spotting the difference, see this article on broken wrist signs(opens in a new tab), and the overview of a wrist sprain(opens in a new tab) explains the other possibility.
How Is a Broken Wrist Diagnosed?
A hand surgeon starts with a history of how the injury happened and a hands-on exam, which includes checking the skin, circulation, and feeling in the fingers. X-rays are used to confirm the fracture, show how far the bone has shifted, and check whether the joint surface is involved. A CT scan is sometimes used for complex fractures, and other bones in the wrist, such as the scaphoid fracture(opens in a new tab), are also checked because they can be injured at the same time or be mistaken for a sprain.
If you have been seen at an emergency room first, this guide on post-ER care(opens in a new tab) explains what to do next. Pain in the hand rather than the wrist after a fall may point to a different injury, such as hand fractures(opens in a new tab).
Non-Surgical Treatment for a Broken Wrist
Fractures that are stable and well aligned can often heal without surgery. Common approaches include:
- Splint or cast: The wrist is held in position while the bone heals. Dr. Yaffe uses splints instead of casts whenever possible, with follow-up X-rays to make sure the bone stays in position.
- Closed reduction: If the bone has shifted, it may be gently realigned, often after numbing the area, before the splint is applied.
- Swelling control: Elevating the hand above the heart and moving the fingers helps reduce swelling and stiffness.
- Pain control: Medication and ice, as directed by your doctor, can help keep you comfortable.
- Hand therapy: Once the bone is healing, therapy restores motion and strength. This article on hand therapy(opens in a new tab) explains how rehabilitation supports recovery.
Because fractures that start in good position can sometimes shift, repeat X-rays in the first weeks are an important part of non-surgical care.
Surgery for a Broken Wrist
Surgery is generally considered when the fracture is displaced, angulated, unstable, or involves the joint surface, or when it does not heal properly with conservative treatment. A common approach is to make a single incision on the palm side of the wrist, set the fracture, and hold it with a low-profile titanium plate and screws. In some fractures, other methods such as pins or an external fixator may be used. Distal radius repair of this kind is typically performed at a surgery center in about 45 to 60 minutes. The practice also uses minimally invasive surgery(opens in a new tab) techniques developed for the hand and wrist, with the goal of reducing recovery time and returning patients to work and sports sooner. If surgery is recommended, this guide on preparing for surgery(opens in a new tab) explains how to get ready.
What to Expect During Recovery
After surgery, the wrist is placed in a splint, and the incision is typically closed with absorbable sutures and steri-strips. Moving the fingers and elevating the hand starts right away to reduce swelling and stiffness. Your surgeon will tell you when to begin gentle wrist motion, which is often within a few weeks, and hand therapy usually follows. Light daily activities often resume within weeks, while lifting, gripping, and sports may take several months. Follow the practice's post-op instructions(opens in a new tab) for wound care and activity limits, and see this overview of hand surgery recovery(opens in a new tab) for a general picture. For a week-by-week look at bone healing, this article on the fracture healing timeline(opens in a new tab) is useful, and these healing tips(opens in a new tab) can support the process.
Risks and Possible Complications
Complications are uncommon but can include stiffness, hardware irritation, nerve irritation or carpal tunnel symptoms, tendon irritation, infection, and a painful stiffening condition called complex regional pain syndrome. A fracture that heals out of position, called a malunion, can limit motion and strength. Fractures that involve the joint surface can also lead to advanced wrist arthritis(opens in a new tab) years later, which is covered in this article on wrist arthritis(opens in a new tab). Your surgeon will review the benefits and risks before you decide.
When to See a Hand Surgeon
See a hand surgeon as soon as you can after a wrist injury, especially if the wrist is bent, very painful to move, or swollen and bruised. Seek care right away for numbness, fingers that look pale or cold, or an open wound. Early evaluation helps the bone heal in the right position and helps avoid stiffness. Dr. Yaffe can see patients quickly, and even emergently if needed.
Dr. Yaffe sees patients in Schaumburg(opens in a new tab), Elk Grove Village(opens in a new tab), and Buffalo Grove(opens in a new tab). To get started, schedule an appointment(opens in a new tab) online, and it helps to note how and when you were injured.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a broken wrist take to heal?
A broken wrist typically takes about six to eight weeks for the bone to heal, although this varies with the fracture and your age and health. Regaining full motion, grip strength, and comfort often takes several months, and some stiffness can linger longer.
Do I need surgery or a cast for a broken wrist?
It depends on the fracture. Stable, well-aligned breaks often heal with a splint or cast, and Dr. Yaffe uses splints instead of casts whenever possible. Surgery is generally considered when the bone is displaced, unstable, or involves the joint surface, or when it does not heal properly without it.
Can you move your wrist if it's broken?
Sometimes, yes. Being able to move the wrist doesn't rule out a fracture, because some breaks cause only moderate pain and swelling. If the wrist is swollen, bruised, or painful after a fall, it is worth getting X-rays rather than assuming it is a sprain.
What happens if a broken wrist isn't treated?
An untreated or poorly treated wrist fracture can heal in the wrong position, causing pain, stiffness, weak grip, a visible deformity, and a higher chance of arthritis later. Early treatment helps the bone heal in a good position and lowers the risk of these problems.
What if I broke my wrist at work?
Seek medical care first, and let your employer know about the injury. A hand surgeon can evaluate the fracture and document your treatment, and this page on work-related injury care(opens in a new tab) explains how the practice handles work injuries.
