Distal Radius Fracture and Wrist Fracture Fixation with Distal Radius Plate Systems

Overview of Distal Radius and Wrist Fractures

The radius bone forms the primary structural support of the wrist joint. A distal radius fracture, also commonly referred to as a wrist fracture, fractured wrist, or broken wrist, occurs when the distal end of the radius near the wrist joint is disrupted.

Distal radius fractures represent one of the most frequent orthopedic trauma injuries, accounting for a large percentage of emergency room visits related to broken bones of the wrist. These injuries may occur in isolation or together with broken radius ulna injuries.

Common Causes of Wrist Fractures

A fracture at the wrist is often caused by:

· Falls onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH injuries)

· Sports trauma

· Traffic accidents

· Osteoporotic bone weakness in elderly patients

Depending on the mechanism of injury, the fracture may be:

· Displaced fracture

· Impacted fracture

· Hairline fracture wrist

· Radial fracture with joint restriction

Anatomy: Distal Radius, Radial Styloid, and Wrist Joint

Understanding anatomy is essential for fracture classification and implant selection:

· Distal radius: The terminal portion of the radius articulating with the carpal bones

· Radial styloid: A lateral bony projection (styloid process of radius) frequently involved in ligament-related injuries

· Distal radius bone: Includes volar, dorsal, and radial columns, each requiring different fixation strategies

Fractures involving the radial styloid fracture, fracture of the radial styloid, or fractured radius often demand specialized plate designs.

Wrist Fracture Types and Classification

Colles Fracture

A Colles fracture involves a backward displacement of the distal radius, often showing the characteristic dinner fork deformity.

This fracture is most common in elderly patients and often raises the comparison of Colles fracture vs Smith fracture.

Smith Fracture (Goyrand-Smith Fracture)

A Smith fracture, also known as Smith’s fracture or Goyrand Smith fracture, occurs when the distal portion of the bone moves anteriorly.

Distinguishing between Colles and Smith fractures is crucial for selecting suitable fixation.

Barton Fracture

A Barton fracture involves the volar or dorsal rim of the distal radius and is considered unstable due to intra-articular involvement.

Radial Styloid Fracture

A radial styloid fracture affects the lateral column and frequently requires a radial column plate or styloid-specific distal radius plate.

Other commonly encountered patterns include:

· Distal radius fx

· Left distal radius fracture

· Fracture radial distal

· Distal radius fracture Orthobullets classifications

Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of a Broken Wrist

Typical broken wrist symptoms and fractured wrist symptoms include:

· Wrist pain and swelling

· Deformity or visible angulation (wrist bone is sticking out)

· Reduced grip strength

· Limited range of motion

Patients frequently search:

· How do you know if your wrist is broken?

· How can you tell if your wrist is fractured?

· How to tell if you fractured your wrist?

· How to know you fractured your wrist?

Diagnosis includes physical examination and imaging such as X-ray broken wrist, broken wrist X-ray, or X-ray of a broken wrist.

Treating a Fractured Wrist: Conservative vs Surgical

Non-Surgical Treatment

Stable fractures can be managed with:

· Broken wrist cast

· Splints for broken wrists

· Temporary immobilization and follow-up imaging

Surgical Treatment: ORIF Distal Radius

Unstable or displaced fractures often require ORIF of distal radius.

ORIF distal radius restores anatomical alignment and joint congruency using distal radius fracture plates.

Distal Radius Plate Fixation: Surgical Gold Standard

Why Plate Fixation?

Plate fixation allows:

· Accurate anatomical reduction

· Stable fixation for early mobilization

· Reduced risk of malunion

Common surgical terms include:

· Plate in wrist fracture

· Plate and screws in wrist

· Wrist plating

· Plate in wrist surgery

· Wrist surgery with plate and screws

· Broken wrist surgery plate and screws recovery

Types of Distal Radius Plates and Their Clinical Indications

ATOM provides a comprehensive distal radius plate system designed to address different fracture zones:

Volar Distal Radius Plate

A volar distal radius plate is the most commonly used implant for distal radius volar fractures and Smith fractures.

Benefits:

· Reduced extensor tendon irritation

· Strong subchondral support

· Early wrist motion

Also known as:

· Distal radius volar plate

· Volar plates

· Distal radius fracture volar plate

Dorsal Distal Radius Plate

Used in selected cases involving dorsal comminution or Barton fractures where dorsal buttress support is required.

Radial Column / Radial Styloid Plate

Designed for:

· Radial styloid fracture

· Fracture of the radial styloid

· Lateral column instability

Provides targeted fixation while preserving soft tissue.

Fragment-Specific Distal Radius Plates

Small-profile plates designed for complex, multi-fragment fractures:

· Volar rim fragments

· Dorsal rim fragments

· Radial styloid fragments

ATOM Distal Radius and Ulna Plate System

ATOM's distal radius plates and ulna plates are anatomically contoured and manufactured from medical-grade titanium alloy.

Key Product Advantages

· Low-profile design to reduce tendon irritation

· Multiple screw trajectory options

· Locking and cortical screw compatibility

· Optimized for ORIF of distal radius fractures

· Suitable for Colles, Smith, Barton, and styloid fractures

These radius plates support stable fixation across different wrist fracture types.

Recovery Time and Rehabilitation

Patients frequently ask:

· How long does a broken wrist take to heal?

· How long do fractured wrists take to heal?

· Broken wrist recovery time

· Fractured wrist recovery time

· Broken radius healing time

Typical recovery:

· Bone healing: 6–8 weeks

· Functional recovery: 3–6 months

· Distal radius fracture recovery time varies by age and fracture severity

Early physiotherapy improves outcomes and reduces stiffness.

Conclusion

A distal radius fracture is a complex injury requiring accurate diagnosis, classification, and treatment. Modern distal radius plate fixation, particularly with volar plates, provides stable fixation, allows early motion, and improves long-term wrist function.

ATOM's comprehensive distal radius plate system offers surgeons reliable solutions for a wide spectrum of wrist fractures, supporting precise reduction, stable fixation, and early postoperative functional exercises.