🪛 Broken Wrist - From Fall to Recovery
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Distal radius fractures are the most common upper extremity injury (>450,000/yr in the US). Whether from a simple fall or high-impact trauma, proper treatment is crucial for optimal recovery. Non-surgical treatment may be appropriate if:
- Fracture alignment is acceptable
- Bones are minimally displaced #WristFracture
- You’re >65 with lower activity demands
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Surgical intervention may become necessary when:
- Bones are significantly displaced #HandSurgery
- Joint surface is involved
- You’re younger or highly active
- Fracture is unstable
Surgical options include:
- Volar locking plates (most common, allows earlier motion)
- External fixation (uses pins/frame outside the skin)
- Percutaneous pinning (less invasive option for simple fractures)
🔩 Timing matters: Research shows better outcomes when surgery is performed within 7 dys of injury and early intervention typically means easier procedures + better reduction quality.
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⬇️ SHARE your #WristInjury experience & tips #OrthopedicSurgery
