A broken wrist, also known as a distal radius fracture, may occur in all patient populations. It may or may not involve the distal ulna, distal radioulnar joint, or radiocarpal joint. This type of injury is often related to mechanisms involving high energy in young patients and low energy or slip and fall accidents in older patients. While distal radius fractures may occur in any patient who falls on their hand, they are generally more common in those with osteoporosis. Conversely, the incidence of wrist fractures in the geriatric population increases with age and correlates with osteopenia which has been found to correspond to an increase in hip fracture cases. Significant morbidity may result if a distal radius fracture is left untreated.

Did a recent accident leave you with a distal radius fracture? At AutoAccident.com, our personal injury lawyers in California can help you seek maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, and other losses. Call now for free, friendly case advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

At our personal injury law firm, our compassionate attorneys have decades of combined experience handling a wide array of accident cases. Our legal team has successfully represented clients with many types of injuries, including distal radius fractures, and will do everything in our power to make sure you receive maximum compensation for your losses. When you turn to us for assistance, we will provide you with the guidance you need to move forward. We will utilize our skills, knowledge, and resources to help you recover emotionally, financially, and physically after a life-changing crash. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how our accident lawyers can help.

When there is a break in the distal radius, a patient may experience the following symptoms:

• Difficulty moving or using the affected wrist and hand
• Numbness or tingling in the fingertips from nerve damage
• Pain with movement of the finger and around the fracture
• Visible deformity from the bone being out of place or swelling

A Colles fracture is among the most common fractures of the distal radius. Other classifications of a broken wrist may include:

• Comminuted Fracture: This type of bone fracture involves a break in the bone in at least two locations.
• Extra-articular Fracture: If the line of a fracture does not extend into the joint, it is described as an extra-articular fracture.
• Intra-articular Fracture: When a fracture crosses the surface of a joint, it is classified as an intra-articular fracture.
• Open Fracture: Also referred to as a compound fracture, this type of injury may occur when there is a break in the skin or open wound in close proximity to the site of the break in the bone.

The classification of a break in the distal radius is crucial given that displaced fractures, comminuted fractures, open fractures, and intra-articular fractures are more challenging to treat than others.

A physician will conduct a physical exam and request imaging to determine if there is a break in the distal radius. An X-ray may be ordered to confirm a broken wrist, the number of bone fragments, and displacement. Other tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan, may be necessary for obtaining a better image of the fracture and potential associated injuries. These are useful with surgical planning. When the wrist is broken, the nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments may also sustain injuries that require treatment.

The goal of treatment for a distal radius fracture is to place the bone fragments back into their original position and prevent them from shifting out of place during the healing process. Various treatment options may be available in a wrist fracture case. The choice of treatment may depend on a wide array of factors, including the patient’s age, activity level, and severity of the bone fracture. A cast or splint may be applied if the wrist fracture is in a good position. This will serve as a final treatment until the bone has healed and may be worn for up to six weeks. From there, a patient may be provided with a removable wrist splint to utilize for support and comfort.

Surgical management may be necessary in broken wrist cases where the correction of the bone in a cast is not possible or cannot be corrected with closed reduction. Given that this type of fracture may lead to healing in improper alignment, a patient may experience poor arm function. When this occurs, surgery may be necessary for correction and holding the bone in place during the healing process. There is a wide array of options for keeping the bone in proper alignment after it has been corrected, such as screws and plates, external fixator, metal pins, and any combination of these surgical approaches.

Since the types of distal radius fracture cases vary and there is a wide array of treatment options, recovery may be different for each patient. When a recent accident has left you with a broken wrist, it is essential to discuss a treatment plan and release for return to daily activity. Keep in mind that most broken wrist cases require three months for healing before a patient may resume all activity. For full recovery, this type of injury may take up to one year.

While rare, the complications of a wrist fracture may include disability, aching, or persistent stiffness. Other known complications after non-operative and operative treatment of distal radius fractures may include tendon rupture and irritation. The extensor pollicis longus is at risk of injury when the wrist is broken in an accident due to its close location to the distal radius. The flexor tendons may also be at risk after surgery.

Some of the most common causes of distal radius fractures include motor vehicle collisions, cycling crashes, and falling on a flexed or outstretched hand. When the incident was the result of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, an injured party may have grounds for a bodily injury claim. The procedure for bringing this type of case forward generally involves filing a claim against the insurance company representing the negligent party. Financial recovery in a personal injury claim may include reimbursement of medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses. For details on the factors that may impact an injury case and its value, watch the following video.

A distal radius fracture from an accident may require extensive medical treatment and time away from work for recovery, both of which may add up quickly. This may be financially overwhelming for an injured party and their family, especially if the other side has limited or no liability coverage. When this turns out to be the case, an injured person may seek recourse through their auto insurance plan. This is possible if they have UM and UIM coverage. This type of protection may cover losses up to the limits of the policy. For more information, reach out to an experienced accident attorney.

In California, there is a limited amount of time for filing a lawsuit in civil court. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, injured parties have up to two years to file a lawsuit. However, the time limit may be shortened to as little as six months in personal injury cases involving government agencies. As such, it is essential to retain legal counsel if you have been injured in a recent accident.

Getting injured in an accident may have a significant impact on your life and that of your loved ones. Traumatic injuries, such as a broken wrist, may set you back emotionally, financially, and physically. At AutoAccident.com, our legal team is dedicated to recovering maximum compensation for clients who have been injured in accidents caused by the negligence of others. When you turn to us for assistance, our attorneys will stop at nothing to reach a successful verdict or settlement on your behalf. Call now to learn more and receive free, friendly case advice from one of our injury lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

Photo Source: By “andreas160578” on Pixabay

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