![]() ![]() ![]() Sutures are typically removed at this time. The first postoperative appointment occurs 1-2 weeks after surgery. Another key this first week is start finger motion, to prevent stiffness. Pain medicine and anti-inflammatories are also utilized. This is accomplished through elevation of the extremity and icing. The goal the first week after surgery is to control swelling and pain. The elbow and fingers are left free to allow motion. The incision is closed using sutures and a plastic surgery technique to limit scarring.ĭressings are placed over the incision and a splint that extends from the mid forearm to the palm is placed over the dressings and secured with light bandage.The fracture is realigned and a combination of a plate and multiple screws are placed to secure the fracture position.Surgical instruments are used to access the wrist and view the fracture.An incision is made on the palm side of the forearm and wrist.After the patient is comfortable and asleep, the procedure is performed through the following steps: What is a Distal Radius ORIF Procedure?Ī distal radius ORIF is a 30-90-minute outpatient surgery that is typically performed under either general anesthesia or regional “nerve block” anesthesia. Risks particular to surgery, although rare, include infection, bleeding, scarring, hardware prominence, and possible injury to nerves, vessels, or tendons. This is much more common in non-surgically treated fractures, and in more severe cases can impair function. A malunion occurs when the bone heals, but is maligned. Again, this can happen with or without surgery. ![]() Nonunion of distal radius fractures is uncommon, but can be associated with open or “compound” fractures, gross malalignment, vitamin deficiency (Vitamin D and Calcium), diabetes and other system illness. Routinely the bone will heal, even without surgery, but when it does not it is referred to as a nonunion. This can happen in both surgical and non-surgical fractures. ![]() Fortunately, this loss of motion is usually less than 10-15 degrees and the wrist maintains full function. The most common risk of distal radius fracture is stiffness and loss of motion of the wrist. What are the Risks of Open Surgery for Wrist Fractures? There are several techniques for surgical fixation of distal radius fractures but most often is with an open incision and plate and screw fixation. The wrist is the foundation for the hand, and as such, poor alignment of wrist fractures can lead to continued pain, arthritis, finger stiffness and compromised hand function. This allows better alignment of the fracture and early motion of the wrist as rigid casts are seldom needed. Open surgery for wrist fractures is often required for displaced fractures. These are followed closely with x-rays over the first 2-3 weeks to make sure the fracture does not displace. A cast or brace is used for 4-6 weeks until the bone heals. Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures are often amendable to non-surgical treatment. They can be treated by immobilizing the wrist in a cast or splint, or operatively by performing a procedure called “open reduction internal fixation” (ORIF). Distal radius fractures come in many different types and patterns, which are often treated differently. Most wrist fractures occur at the end of the larger forearm bone called the radius, referred to as distal radius fractures. Open surgery for wrist fractures is a common treatment for wrist fractures that can not be treated non-operatively. ![]()
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