About Distal Radius Fracture
Key Highlights
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Restores precise alignment of the wrist joint for optimal long-term function.Provides immediate stability to the fracture, allowing for earlier and more comfortable movement.Reduces the risk of long-term complications like arthritis, stiffness, and deformity.Facilitates a more predictable and often faster healing process compared to non-surgical treatment for complex fractures.Helps patients return to daily activities, work, and sports more quickly.
Who is this surgery for?
- Displaced fractures where the bone fragments are not aligned.
- Intra-articular fractures where the break extends into the wrist joint surface.
- Unstable fractures that are likely to shift or collapse in a cast.
- Open fractures where the bone has pierced the skin, requiring urgent surgery to prevent infection.
- Fractures associated with nerve or blood vessel injury (neurovascular compromise).
- Failed non-surgical treatment where the fracture has moved or not healed properly in a cast.
- Comminuted fractures (bone shattered into multiple pieces).
How to prepare
- Initial evaluation with X-rays, and sometimes a CT scan, to assess the fracture pattern.
- Medical history review and physical examination by the orthopedic surgeon.
- Pre-operative tests such as blood work and an ECG to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (regional block or general anesthesia).
- Informing the surgeon of all medications, especially blood thinners, which may need to be paused.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
- Arranging for transportation home and assistance during the initial recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or in the bone.
- Bleeding, bruising, or hematoma formation.
- Damage to nearby nerves, blood vessels, or tendons.
- Stiffness, loss of motion, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
- Hardware irritation, where plates or screws may cause discomfort and require later removal.
- Nonunion (failure of the bone to heal) or malunion (healing in an incorrect position).
- Post-traumatic arthritis in the wrist joint, especially with intra-articular fractures.
- Risks associated with anesthesia, such as allergic reactions or breathing problems.
Recovery & hospital stay
- The wrist is placed in a splint or cast immediately after surgery to protect the repair.
- Elevation of the hand is crucial for the first few days to minimize swelling and pain.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications.
- Stitches or staples are typically removed 10-14 days post-surgery.
- Early finger, elbow, and shoulder movement is encouraged to prevent stiffness.
- Formal physical or occupational therapy usually begins within a few weeks to restore wrist range of motion and strength.
- Gradual return to light activities over 6-8 weeks, with full recovery and return to sports or heavy labor taking 3-6 months or longer.
- Follow-up X-rays are scheduled to monitor bone healing progress.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for basic function, 3-6+ months for full strength
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering distal radius fracture in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for distal radius fracture in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform distal radius fracture. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for distal radius fracture compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 50 Thousand – 200 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for basic function, 3-6+ months for full strength | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 175 Thousand – 700 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for basic function, 3-6+ months for full strength | Know More |
Top hospitals for Distal Radius Fracture in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing distal radius fracture.
Vikram Brown, a 68-year-old retired carpenter...
Vikram Brown, a 68-year-old retired carpenter and avid gardener, slipped on a wet leaf while pruning his apple tree. He fell onto his outstretched right hand, experiencing immediate, severe pain and a visible deformity near his wrist. At the emergency room, X-rays confirmed a displaced, intra-articular distal radius fracture. His orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Lee, explained that due to the displacement and joint involvement, the bone was unlikely to heal properly with casting alone. She recommended an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure to realign the bone fragments and secure them with a plate and screws, which would allow for earlier motion and better long-term function. Vikram was anxious about surgery but understood the goal of preserving his wrist for his woodworking hobby. The procedure went smoothly. Post-surgery, he worked diligently with a hand therapist, starting gentle movements within days. After six weeks of protected activity, he regained significant range of motion. By three months, he was back to light gardening, and by six months, he was carving small projects again with minimal stiffness. Emotionally, Vikram moved from fear of losing his independence and creative outlet to immense relief and gratitude. The successful recovery restored not just his wrist, but his sense of purpose in retirement.
Orthopedists for Distal Radius Fracture
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform distal radius fracture and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore