The distal radius is the larger of the two forearm bones, at the end nearest the wrist. A fracture here can look a lot like a bad sprain, so symptoms alone cannot confirm a break. Common signs after an injury include:

• Wrist pain and tenderness: Pain that is often severe right after the injury and gets worse when you move the wrist or press on it.
  • Most distal radius fractures follow a fall onto an outstretched hand, though sports injuries, car accidents and direct blows can cause them too.
• Swelling and bruising: Puffiness and discoloration in the wrist and the back of the hand that can spread toward the fingers.
• A bent or crooked wrist: A visible change in the shape of the wrist, though a fracture can be present even when the wrist looks normal.
• Trouble moving or gripping: Difficulty turning the forearm, bending the wrist or holding objects.
• Warning signs that need prompt care: Numbness or tingling in the fingers, fingers that look pale or cold, or an open wound.
  • If you notice any of these after an injury, seek care right away rather than waiting for symptoms to settle.

Treatment depends on the nature of the fracture, including whether the bone is displaced, angulated or involves the joint surface, and it may include conservative management or surgical intervention. Dr. Yaffe offers a full array of treatment options depending on each patient’s unique needs, including:

• Non-surgical care: For fractures that are stable and well aligned, Dr. Yaffe uses splints instead of casts whenever possible, with follow-up imaging to confirm the bone stays in position. Hand therapy helps restore motion and strength as the wrist heals.
• Distal radius fracture repair: A single incision on the palm side of the wrist allows the fracture to be set and held with a low-profile titanium plate and screws, which can improve healing and minimize scarring. When surgery is needed, Dr. Yaffe provides expeditious surgical care in-office.
• Minimally-Invasive Surgery(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe uses techniques developed specifically for the hand and wrist, with the goal of reducing recovery time and getting you back to work and sports as soon as possible.
• Preparing for Surgery & Procedure(opens in a new tab): If you and Dr. Yaffe decide on surgery, this guide explains how to get ready for your procedure so you know what to expect.

Surgery is considered for fractures that are displaced, unstable or involve the joint surface, or that do not heal properly with conservative treatment. There is no single right plan for every break, and Dr. Yaffe will walk through your options with you. This page is for education and does not replace an examination, so an in-person evaluation with X-rays is the way to confirm your diagnosis and the best plan for you.

About your surgeon. Dr. Mark A. Yaffe is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in orthopaedic surgery, with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He earned his M.D. at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, completed his orthopaedic residency at Northwestern, and trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2026 and a Chicago Magazine Top Doctor in 2025. Read Dr. Yaffe's full bio.(opens in a new tab)