Do radial fractures need surgery?

Surgery for Distal Radius Fractures This option is usually for fractures that are considered unstable or can’t be treated with a cast. Surgery is typically performed through an incision over the volar aspect of your wrist (where you feel your pulse). This allows full access to the break.

How long do radial fractures take to heal?

Depending on how severe your fracture is and on other factors, you may not have full range of motion after you recover. Most fractures heal well in 6 to 8 weeks.

Where is the radial styloid fracture?

Radial styloid fractures can occur in isolation or as part of more complex intra-articular distal radius fractures, with carpal or radiocarpal dislocations, and in combination with scaphoid and other carpal fractures.

Can you palpate the radial styloid process?

Palpation radial styloid. The wrist is placed in a neutral position with the radial side up. The most distal portion of the radial styloid is identified, marked, and palpated for local tenderness. The examiner gently rotates the patient’s wrist ulnarly (arrow) while the patient’s fingers are folded over the thumb.

Is a radial styloid fracture intra articular?

Chauffeur fractures (also known as Hutchinson fractures or backfire fractures) are intra-articular fractures of the radial styloid process. The radial styloid is within the fracture fragment, although the fragment can vary markedly in size.

Do you need surgery for a distal radius fracture?

No surgery is risk-free. However, the risk of major complications from distal radius fixation is low. Possible complications include pain, bleeding, infection, swelling, stiffness, nonunion, malunion, implant-related tendon irritation, hardware failure, and damage to the surrounding nerves and blood vessels.

What is the purpose of styloid process of radius?

The radial styloid process projects obliquely downward from the distal end of the radius. It serves as the point of attachment for the brachioradialis muscle and the radial collateral ligament. Laterally, the tendons of extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus run in a flat groove.

What does the styloid process of the radius articulate with?

radius. end of the radius, the styloid process, may be felt on the outside of the wrist where it joins the hand. The inside surface of this process presents the U-shaped ulnar notch in which the ulna articulates.