Radius fracture
The radius is one of the two bones that make up the forearm. It forms part of two joints: the elbow (with the humerus and ulna) and the wrist (radius, ulna and hand bones/carpals). Because of its anatomical position, it supports the movement and function of both joints, so injuries to this bone can seriously affect the elbow and wrist.
Radius fractures can result from a variety of traumatic mechanisms affecting the forearm, usually related to a fall or external collision with the forearm. These fractures can occur in all population groups, from children and the elderly to athletes and sedentary individuals. In subjects suffering from specific conditions that make the bone more fragile (e.g. osteoporosis), these injuries can occur as a result of low-energy impacts, whereas in younger populations, high-energy traumatic events are more frequent.
Due to the different mechanisms of injury and the specificities of the fracture (location, bone displacement, associated lesions, etc.), patients can present a highly variable symptomatology. Patients typically report pain localized to the fracture site, which may radiate to other structures, swelling, ecchymosis, forearm deformity and severe impairment of elbow and wrist function.
Management of patients with radius fractures is highly dependent on the specifics of the injury, such as fracture location (e.g. near elbow, body of radius, near wrist), position of bone fragments (e.g. displaced, non-displaced, etc.), associated injuries (e.g. musculoskeletal, nervous, vascular, etc.) and the characteristics of the patients involved (e.g. age).
Some radius fractures (e.g. small, stable fractures that do not significantly compromise elbow/wrist function) can be managed conservatively with immobilization/protection (through the use of a cast, sling or support) and rehabilitation. If surgical treatment is required, many different procedures are available, always discussed between the patient and the medical-surgical team.
After surgery, a period of immobilization/protection with the use of a sling, cast or splint is generally recommended, and rehabilitation should begin as soon as indicated by the medical team.
At Foxphysio, after an in-depth consultation with one of our specialist doctors, your recovery process will be structured in different stages and will take place in four different environments: the swimming pool, the gym, the movement analysis and rehabilitation room.