What is a Distal Radius Fracture?
A distal radius fracture is a break in the radius bone of the forearm at its distal (far) end, near the wrist joint. It's the most common type of fracture, accounting for approximately one-sixth of all fractures seen in emergency departments.
Types of distal radius fractures:
- Colles' fracture: The most common type, where the broken end of the radius tilts backward (dorsal displacement)
- Smith's fracture: The opposite pattern, with forward (volar) displacement
- Barton's fracture: A fracture involving the joint surface
- Intra-articular fracture: Fracture extending into the wrist joint, often requiring surgery
Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy at Apollo Hospitals has extensive experience in treating all types of wrist fractures, from simple casts to complex reconstructive surgery.
Symptoms
• Sudden severe pain at the wrist
• Visible deformity ("dinner fork" appearance)
• Rapid swelling and bruising
• Inability to move the wrist
• Tenderness over the distal radius
• Numbness or tingling in fingers
• Fingers turning pale or blue
• Open wound over the fracture
• Severe pain not relieved by splinting
Treatment Options
Suitable for:
- Stable, non-displaced fractures
- Fractures that can be reduced and maintained in a cast
- Low-demand patients or those with medical contraindications to surgery
Cast is typically worn for 6 weeks with regular X-rays to check alignment.
Surgery is recommended for:
- Displaced fractures that cannot be aligned with casting
- Intra-articular fractures (involving the joint)
- Unstable fractures likely to slip in a cast
- Active patients requiring early movement
Surgical options:
- Volar locking plate: Gold standard for most distal radius fractures. Plate applied through a palm-side incision, allows early movement
- External fixation: For severely comminuted or open fractures
- K-wire fixation: For simple fractures in children or elderly
- Fragment-specific fixation: For complex intra-articular fractures
Recovery Timeline
Initial Phase
Splint/cast, elevation, finger exercises
Bone Healing
X-ray monitoring, gentle wrist exercises (if plated)
Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy, progressive strengthening
Full Recovery
Return to sports and heavy activities
Wrist Fracture Treatment Cost in Hyderabad
Treatment Costs
- Cast Treatment₹5,000 - ₹10,000
- K-wire Fixation₹40,000 - ₹60,000
- Volar Locking Plate₹80,000 - ₹1,20,000
- Complex Fracture Surgery₹1,00,000 - ₹1,50,000
Insurance
Wrist fracture surgery is covered by health insurance as a medically necessary procedure. Cashless treatment available at Apollo Hospitals for network insurance holders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a distal radius fracture?+
A distal radius fracture is a break in the larger forearm bone (radius) near the wrist. It's the most common type of wrist fracture, often occurring when you fall onto an outstretched hand. The Colles' fracture (backward displacement) is the most common type.
Do all wrist fractures need surgery?+
No. Stable, non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures can be treated with casting. Surgery is recommended for displaced fractures, intra-articular fractures (involving the joint surface), unstable fractures, or when casting cannot maintain alignment.
How much does wrist fracture surgery cost in Hyderabad?+
Distal radius fracture surgery in Hyderabad costs approximately ₹60,000 to ₹1,50,000 depending on the complexity. Simple plate fixation costs less, while complex intra-articular fractures requiring specialized implants cost more. Insurance coverage is typically available.
How long does it take for a wrist fracture to heal?+
Bone healing typically occurs by 6-8 weeks. With surgical fixation, early movement is possible, and most patients regain good function by 3 months. Full recovery including maximum strength may take 6-12 months. Physiotherapy is important for optimal outcomes.
Will I have full movement after a wrist fracture?+
Most patients regain 80-90% of their normal wrist movement after proper treatment and rehabilitation. Outcome depends on fracture severity, quality of reduction, and compliance with physiotherapy. Intra-articular fractures may have some long-term stiffness.
YOUR TREATING SURGEON
Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic & Upper-Limb Surgeon | Apollo Hospitals
Why Choose Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy?
International fellowship training combined with decades of experience delivering world-class upper limb care
UK CCT
Certificate of Completion of Training - One of few Indian surgeons with NHS Consultant experience
FRCS (UK)
Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh & UK
Mayo Clinic Fellow
British Shoulder & Elbow Society - Mayo Clinic Travelling Fellowship
SESI President
President, Shoulder & Elbow Society of India
30+ Years Experience
15,000+ patients treated, 5,000+ surgeries performed
Published Researcher
Co-author of Operative Elbow Surgery, international conference faculty
Dr. Reddy's Specialty Clinics
Comprehensive Upper Limb Care
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