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After surgery

After Distal Radius Fracture Surgery

Recovery guide for plate-and-screw fixation (ORIF) of a broken wrist. Healing takes several months. Motion returns first, strength later.

Cross-section of the forearm showing the radius and ulna
Cross-section of the forearm showing the radius and ulna. Source: Wikimedia Commons (Gray's Anatomy, public domain).

What was done

The broken end of the radius bone in your wrist was put back into position and held with a metal plate and small screws. You have a small incision on the palm side of the wrist, covered by a soft dressing. In most cases no splint is applied, so the wrist can begin gentle motion right away. Patients with a very severe fracture may be placed in a splint for added protection; if so, Dr. Barrera will tell you.

The first week

  • Keep the dressing clean and dry.
  • Keep the hand elevated above the heart as much as possible. Expect significant swelling for the first 3 to 5 days.
  • Move the fingers fully from day one. Make a fist and straighten the fingers many times a day. This is essential to prevent stiffness.
  • Begin gentle wrist motion within a few days. Slowly bend and straighten the wrist and rotate the forearm through a comfortable range. Do not force it. Early gentle motion protects against stiffness.
  • Move the shoulder and elbow so they do not stiffen up.
  • Do not bear weight on the hand. Do not lift anything heavier than a coffee cup with the surgical hand.

Days 10 to 14: first follow-up

  • The dressing and sutures are removed at your first office visit.
  • You can shower and wash the incision with soap and water; pat dry.
  • No soaking (no baths, pools, hot tubs) for 2 weeks after surgery.
  • Formal hand therapy typically begins around this visit to guide wrist motion.

Weeks 2 to 6: motion phase

  • Work with hand therapy on wrist motion (bending, straightening, rotating the forearm).
  • Light use of the hand for daily tasks is fine.
  • Still no lifting or pushing with the wrist. The bone is still healing.

Weeks 6 to 12: strengthening phase

  • X-rays at 6 weeks confirm the bone is healing.
  • Therapy shifts to strengthening and return to full activity.
  • Most patients can return to light work by 6 weeks and heavier work by 3 months.

Pain and swelling

  • Most patients need prescription pain medicine for only 2 to 5 days, then switch to acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil).
  • Ice over the dressing helps for the first week.
  • Swelling and stiffness in the fingers and hand can last several months. Continue to elevate and move the fingers.

Long-term expectations

Most patients recover 90% of their function by 6 months. Some swelling, stiffness, and aching in the wrist is common for up to a year. The plate and screws stay in place permanently unless they cause problems, which is uncommon.

Call the office right away if
  • You have a fever over 101°F
  • The incision is draining pus, spreading red, or very warm
  • Pain is worsening despite medication and elevation
  • New numbness or severe tingling in the fingers (especially the thumb, index, and middle)
  • The fingers turn cold, pale, or dusky

Related

About distal radius fractures

Questions?

Call your office location for non-urgent questions:

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