Wrist Fracture Surgery at Commons Clinic

Wrist Fracture Surgery: Expert Treatment for a Broken Wrist at Commons Clinic

You knew your wrist injury was more than a sprain. Diagnosed with a wrist fracture or distal radius fracture, you need expert wrist fracture surgery. Commons Clinic offers advanced imaging, precise wrist fracture repair, outpatient surgical treatment, and personalized recovery, therapy, and rehabilitation plans.

Do I Need Wrist Fracture Surgery or Can a Cast or Splint Be Enough?

Whether you need wrist fracture surgery or a cast depends on fracture stability, displacement, and how you use your wrist. Many distal radius fractures and simple broken wrists heal well with a cast, splint, or brace if alignment is acceptable and the joint surface is preserved. Your orthopedic surgeon will confirm this with imaging tests and physical examination, then guide treatment and recovery.

Common types of wrist fractures: distal radius fracture, Colles fracture, and more

Fractured wrist surgery is more likely with unstable or displaced fractures, joint surface involvement, or complex patterns like comminuted distal radius fractures. In these cases, wrist fracture repair using plate and screws, pins, or external fixation can realign and stabilize the fracture so bone healing occurs in the correct position and function is protected.

How orthopedic surgeons diagnose a broken wrist and evaluate stability

If pain worsens, your cast becomes loose, or you notice numbness or tingling, seek urgent evaluation. Unsure whether you need broken wrist surgery or casting alone? Arrange prompt orthopedic assessment.

Imaging tests and physical examination for wrist fracture diagnosis

Your orthopedic surgeon evaluates imaging tests, alignment, and physical findings to determine fracture stability, guide treatment, and reduce risk of long term complications.

When Wrist Fracture Surgery Is Recommended for Distal Radius Fractures

Stable vs. unstable wrist fractures: what makes surgery necessary?

A distal radius fracture may heal in a cast or splint, or require wrist fracture surgery. Stable wrist fractures stay aligned after closed reduction and casting, with smooth joint surface and reliable bone healing in about 6 weeks. These usually need casting, brace, and follow up imaging. Unstable displaced fractures or comminuted fracture patterns risk loss of alignment, malunion, and poor function. These often need fractured wrist surgery or wrist fracture repair with plate and screws, pins, or external fixation to stabilize the fracture and protect long term motion and strength.

Signs your broken wrist may not heal correctly without fracture fixation

If alignment worsens, pain increases, or function declines, fracture fixation may be necessary to restore proper structure and long term outcomes.

Types of Wrist Fracture Surgery: ORIF, External Fixation, and Percutaneous Pinning

Wrist fracture surgery is tailored to your fracture pattern, activity level, and goals. Distal radius fractures and other wrist fractures may need broken wrist surgery such as open reduction and internal fixation, external fixation with percutaneous pins, or nonsurgical fracture care with casting and splinting.

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and screws

In ORIF, your orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision on the palm side, realigns the distal radius fracture, then uses a plate and screws to stabilize the fracture. This internal fixation method restores alignment, protects the joint surface, and often allows earlier motion, physical therapy, and hand therapy, which can reduce stiffness and speed recovery after surgery.

External fixation and percutaneous pins for complex or comminuted fractures

External fixation and percutaneous fixation are preferred for some unstable or comminuted distal radius fractures. Pins that go through the skin are attached to a stabilizing frame outside the forearm to hold the fracture fragments while bone healing occurs. This technique can limit soft tissue trauma and infection risk when swelling or wounds are significant.

Closed reduction, casting, and splinting: nonsurgical wrist fracture treatment options

Stable wrist fractures sometimes heal well with closed reduction, a splint, and a cast. Follow up imaging tests ensure the fracture stays aligned during healing.

How your surgeon decides between surgical and nonsurgical wrist fracture treatment

Not sure which treatment options are right for your injured wrist. Schedule an evaluation to review images, risks, recovery time, and the best wrist fracture repair plan for you.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Wrist Fracture Surgery

Preparing for wrist fracture surgery: imaging, anesthesia, and preoperative instructions

Before wrist fracture surgery, your orthopedic surgeon confirms fracture alignment with imaging tests and CT scan if needed. You review medical history and anesthesia options, including nerve block. You receive clear instructions on fasting, medications, smoking, and what to bring. A splint or cast may stabilize the fracture and reduce swelling. Careful planning lowers complications and supports bone healing, so schedule evaluation and treatment if you have a diagnosed broken wrist.

How wrist fracture surgery is performed step by step in the operating room

During wrist fracture surgery, the orthopedic surgeon realigns fracture fragments and stabilizes them using internal or external fixation methods. The procedure is carefully planned and executed to restore alignment, protect the joint, and support long term function and recovery.

Recovery After Wrist Fracture Surgery: Pain, Healing, and Physical Therapy

How long wrist fracture surgery recovery takes and when you can use your hand again

After wrist fracture surgery or ORIF for a distal radius fracture, recovery happens in stages. During the first 2 weeks, your wrist is immobilized in a splint or cast and kept elevated to limit swelling while plate and screws or pins stabilize the radius fracture. Gentle finger motion starts early. By about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, many patients move from casts to a removable wrist brace. Imaging tests confirm the fracture pattern is healing in good alignment, and you usually begin light activity such as eating, typing, and using a phone. Between 8 and 12 weeks, strength and motion progress with therapy, exercises, and careful use of the hand. Driving and heavier lifting typically resume once your orthopedic surgeon confirms stability. Recovery can take 3 to 6 months, especially after comminuted distal radius fractures or complex wrist fracture repair.

Pain management, swelling control, and wound care after wrist surgery

Pain and swelling are expected early after surgery, but proper care, medication, elevation, and monitoring help ensure safe healing and reduce complications.

Hand therapy, exercises, and rehabilitation to restore strength and motion

Structured hand therapy and exercises help restore motion, strength, and daily function while preventing stiffness and long term limitations.

Risks, Complications, and Outcomes of Wrist Fracture Surgery

Potential complications: infection, stiffness, nerve injury, and hardware issues

Wrist fracture surgery for a distal radius fracture or broken wrist is usually very successful, but every procedure carries risk. Infection at the incision or around plates and screws is uncommon and typically responds to antibiotics and wound care. Stiffness, swelling, or nerve injury may affect motion or sensation, but hand therapy and guided exercises usually restore function. Hardware problems or nonunion sometimes require further treatment or fracture fixation revision. If your recovery after surgery stalls, schedule evaluation with an orthopedic surgeon to review imaging tests, treatment options, and your long term outcome.

Long term outcomes, function, and when further treatment may be needed

Most patients regain strong function with proper treatment, though some cases may need additional care to address lingering symptoms or complications.

Why Choose Commons Clinic for Wrist Fracture Surgery and Orthopedic Care

Fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons and advanced fracture fixation techniques

Commons Clinic focuses on advanced wrist fracture surgery and fractured wrist surgery for complex distal radius fractures. Fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons use modern imaging tests, internal fixation methods, and proven techniques like ORIF with plates and screws, metal pins, or external fixation when needed. The goal is simple: stabilize the fracture fragments, restore normal alignment, protect the joint surface, and get you back to functional use as safely and quickly as possible.

Integrated imaging, surgery, and rehabilitation for seamless wrist fracture treatment

From diagnosis and casting to surgery and hand therapy, your entire treatment and recovery stay coordinated under one roof. You will understand whether your broken wrist surgery is the best option or if nonsurgical treatment can provide a reliable outcome. Your surgeon will review your fracture pattern, explain the procedure step by step, and set clear expectations for recovery after surgery, including immobilization, brace or cast, motion, and strengthening exercises. Patients choose Commons Clinic for precise imaging, a streamlined recovery program, and focused pain management that reduces swelling, stiffness, and complications. Many wrist fracture procedures are outpatient, so you are usually discharged the same day.

What to expect at your wrist fracture surgery consultation with Commons Clinic

If your current plan feels confusing, schedule a dedicated wrist fracture surgery evaluation at Commons Clinic today.

How to prepare questions and records for your orthopedic surgery visit

Prepare imaging, questions, and medical history so your consultation is efficient and focused on your recovery plan.

Ready to move forward with wrist fracture surgery? Schedule your visit

If you are ready to move forward, schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward recovery and restored function.

distal radius fractures distal radius fracture distal radius fractures closed reduction broken wrist surgery broken wrist surgery broken wrist internal fixation broken wrist broken wrist surgery broken wrist broken wrist surgery wrist fracture broken wrist broken wrist surgery distal radius fracture distal radius fracture wrist fracture broken wrist surgery distal radius fractures open reduction and internal fixation wrist fracture broken wrist surgery broken wrist surgery wrist fracture broken wrist surgery broken wrist surgery broken wrist surgery orif broken wrist surgery external fixation distal radius fractures distal radius fracture broken wrist surgery orif distal radius fractures orif broken wrist surgery broken wrist broken wrist surgery broken wrist surgery orif broken wrist surgery distal radius fracture