Shattered Distal Radius
Posted , 65 users are following.
Fell down some stairs and got a Comminuted Intraarticular (in other words, bone shattered at the wrist joint). Thankfully (!!!) only the large bone - Distal Radius, and my left wrist. 5 pieces, put back into place and held there with 3 K-wires (pins).
Had backslab on top for 12 days, plaster cast which goes only 2/3 way round arm, underside only has soft padding - this keeps bones in place but allows for swelling. After that it was changed to a full cast, think it was fibreglass, looked like a bandage but when they wet it before wrapping it on and it dried rock hard within 30 mins, lighter than plaster of paris.
This stayed on for further 3 weeks. I was most surprised to only be in plaster for total 4 1/2 weeks. Initial relief to hear plaster was coming off and pins removed was shortlived.......
Blimey it is painful without the support of the cast - I didn't expect that, though they did say I would get shooting, stabbing and aching pains, I didn't really anticipate to what extent, or that I'd feel like Humpty Dumpty.
Started physio immediately, given mobilisation exercises to do at home for first week, surprised at how RIGID my wrist is, like trying to bend and turn a tree stump. Finger movements not so bad though, but no strength whatsoever.
Supidly thought plaster would come off, little bit of physio...............put it all behind me and drive off to work, all done and dusted in 6-8 weeks, tops. Somehow I don't think that's going to happen, silly me.
Think it's worse when the bone shatters at the joint, can't seem to find a forum with someone who has same experience to share, maybe offer me some reassurance about timescales etc.
If anyone is interested, I got a great product off the internet to keep cast completely dry in bath/shower/pool, good quality sealed plastic with rubber seal - called 'Limbo' £10 +pp £3 fast delivery, hospital gave me the leaflet. Also used a chopstick to disobey instructions not to shove things down the cast and scratch, just used it to give a gentle rub when it was driving me nuts.
9 likes, 242 replies
ClarieM sagalout1954
Posted
Now, what I have 'gone & done' (haven't we all - or some of us?!) is 'overdo' something! A fridge door came off on old fridge & I thought I cld. lift it, mainly using weight on my R hand/arm - undamaged - but NOT the 'best idea'!
Basically, I appear to have 'set myself back' and experiencing pain again & limited movements. I will, of course, bring all this up with the physios. and consultant....main thing is have new car on order: for 1st time - an automatic, which should be easier to drive! Did v. short test drive in shopping car park & 'quiet' development for about 10 mins.; ended up being v. uncomfortable as my L arm doesn't yet 'like' reaching outwards so much - just for putting gear lever into 'drive', 'park', etc.. Am in late 60s ('mad as a hatter' 
) and not bn. diagnosed with osteoporosis, was lucky enough to have recent holiday in Cuba - with fair amount of sun most of 1 week (in moderation): good for Vit. D
I am naturally a v. active person (not remotely 'sporty' - but well into dance: belly dance; flamenco; Cuban Salsa 
) When I was on holiday, I did manage to join in but NOT as a partner as you get your arms 'swung about' a fair deal
Mega frustrated, I can't get to any of these things/classes - except in my village 'Zumba Gold' where I 'sling my arm' in a pretty scarf, can exercise, enjoy this just fine.
I never ever had a cast put on.
Consultant initially said he'd do the radius - adding in pieces of titanium - a nice 'tinkling sound' going through Customs checks
Reckon I got x-rayed within that machine at Gatwick the very day AFTER I'd bn. x-rayed at the hosp. prior to travelling to LGW in the evening the day before
My consultant, on first seeing me, said he could let the humerus (in upper arm) heal by itself but that this wld. give me less mobility in my arm - absolutely no use for any of my dancing, so I asked him to do 'the lot' whilst operating anyway
I am somewhat 'cross with myself' for overdoing that 'one thing' and obviously must still NOT lift this L arm (I am, at least, R-handed). Going to ask for consultant to x-ray me again, check I haven't done myself any damage or 'put my healing back too much'. So v. lucky I haven't had to wear a cast
I did have a sling that consultant advised me to use 'in the early days' and do still put on what they call a 'splint' - excellent velcro support - for my wrist, which I still need to use. Will keep all posted..........and wish you all a speedy recovery 
lucy80160 sagalout1954
Posted
Anyway, the operation was 3 weeks ago, the wires are currently in my arm and should be removed in about 20 days. The doctor took an x ray two days ago and the bone is healing perfectly and the level of pain I feel in my wrist is probably about normal. However the pain in the back of my hand is unbearable at times. I can barely move my fingers, let alone make a fist or grip things. The doctor seemed surprised that I still felt pain there. The wound where one of the wires leaves my skin is not healing very well and is still open and oozing (sorry to be graphic!). He thinks this could be causing the pain. They said the benefit of having this operation over using a cast is that I can begin moving my wrist a lot faster and start physiotherapy but at the moment I can't see anything past the pain in my handiary.
I'm worried that it's affecting the tendons in my hand or something. Did anyone experience this during the course of their treatment? Is this pain normal?
alexcalif sagalout1954
Posted
I really appreciate all of your information and tips.
I broke my redius and ulna , on Feb 06 2016 had surgery on Feb 14 2016 , the Dr installed an external fixator which was removed April 25 , is been a week and now I have to make an appointment to start physical therapy.
My hand I can somewhat move also my fingers, I have a swallen wrist and hand , it goes back and forth .
Did you had the same issues when you were recovering and what you did to maintain the pain and the swollen wrist and hand down???
I really appreciate your feed back
ian_14246 alexcalif
Posted
The wrist looked painfully skinny to start with and as others have said was painful and I was scared of getting it banged / prodded again. I was not initially given any physio off NHS but had looked online for exercises post cast removal (there are loads but many essentially the same). I also started my own physio - this was £30 but worth it as it gave me confidence and more exercises.
I kept a splint on outdoors for about 2-3 weeks but weaned mysef off this asap- it helped with confidence but less so with beginning to move the wrist again. I also got a cheap parafin wax heater off ebay to dip the wrist into which helped a lot.
During all of this time I had pains and swelling - this reduced over time but can still be painful at times now (altough no swelling).
I also was eventually given a NHS physio appointment which Was much better then I expected to be fair - partly as the physio shared my interests in triathlon so understood what movements were needed.
I still carry on with my own bed exercise and I have another appointment at the fracture clinic tomorrow (20/4) where I imagin I will be discharged.
So yes I am sorry but you will have pain and swelling- but it WILL get better. Use physio as much as possible. If you have not been referred to a NHS one ask. Lool online and do some of the exercises you see there - expect pain from these but be sensible in the early stages.
Back in January i was despondent and thought it would not heal. Now I have about 75%-80% movement. This will improve further I just know I need to keep at it and let time take its course.
Good luck & stay positive!!
alexcalif ian_14246
Posted
Thanks for your feed back
alli49842 sagalout1954
Posted
This sends to have been a very long process.
I got my cast off yesterday. And the ductile said I can do five pounds of pressure now but no more than that. I cast even bear one really can't move my wrist units I wiggle it a little with my other hand. My orthopaedic surgeon did a surgery on my left wrist than casted it mine was also shattered.. I got hit by a car while walking so he has to do my leg to.. So I have medal in my wrist n a bar down my leg... How long did it take you to get a fair around of movement at least I'm so scared it'll never be normal I don't want to get down on myself.. I want to be able to use my crutches next week
brenda92532 sagalout1954
Posted
Hi
ive suffered with my wrist for a long long time. At first they told me my wrist was shattered and there wasn't anything that could be done. I have now been offered a complete new wrist and don't know anybody who has had this operation.
I am uncertain what to do about this. I have to let the specialist know. Can anybody help me on this matter.
d08315 brenda92532
Posted
Brenda my wrist and the adjacent end of both radius and ulna were all shattered to the extent that they could not use typical pin and plate solution. Instead they used internal pins in combination with human cadaver bone and then more external pins to hold the whole thing together while the reconstructed bones knit together and hardened. I am now in week five post surgery and expect the pins and hardware to be removed next week. I don't know if this is the operation they are suggesting but is definately a wrist replacement. There will be a long period of physical therapy following the pin removal that will take months or even years to get as much functionality back as possible. I am told that the long rehab is due to my age which is 72 and everything takes longer . I am writing to you from California. Wishing you the best.
brenda92532 d08315
Posted
Hi I'm not sure what to expect the consultant just told me he recommended a complete new wrist. I am 70 and after the problems I'm having with my foot and knee following the hip replacement I can't make my mind up whether to have it. After trying a bit of gardening my arm and wrist ache like mad.
Thank you for replying to my mail and I'll let you know what I decide.
Brenda C
ellen72377 sagalout1954
Posted
marissa60662 sagalout1954
Posted
I fell over on January 6 and just thought I had sprained my wrist. Slipped at home and landed on the left wrist, hurt like hell when I did it. Pain went away in a day but the swelling never went. I did try and drive but knew I had an issue when I couldn't turn a corner properly and had to use my right wrist to correct this.
?Went and had xrays which confirmed the break and was told I did a good job breaking it! Off to hospital and then told I needed surgery. Had surgery 2 days later and had the pins and plates put in and was in a backslab and a bandage for 2 weeks and no work (I work in accounting and typing was very hard with the bandage)
?Am now on the first week of wearing a removable wrist splint. Have been doing the exercises as told to every 2 hours. Finding I have a lot more movement coming back even after a week. Went back to work on Tuesday and haven't had any issues.
The weird thing in all of this experience has been no pain, just loads of swelling! I always thought a break would result in agonising pain.
?Have had movement in the fingers since day one. I know I've got a long way to go but seeing small improvements lifts my spirits somewhat.
?So keep at it everyone I'm sure with time we will all get better
jeannette54 marissa60662
Posted
Hi everyone, I'm 'sagalout1954' - forgot my password a few years back so rejoined then with a new ID.
Been 6 years since I started this blog type thing. I see many more have broken/shattered their wrists over the years & have added to it helping & reassuring each other, great to see.
Can't help much myself now, I recovered a long time ago, probably took about a year for my wrist to be virtually 'normal' again.
Almost no loss of range movement, where my pins were 2 small scars still visible but sit under my watch strap anyway & the third pretty much disappeared.
People had told me that in colder weather it was likely I'd suffer a bit with arthritis type soreness in my wrist, but to be perfectly honest, though I'm 62 now, that simply hasn't happened (so far anyway).
The whole unpleasant episode would be a memory in my dim & distant past, but I did it at work & most of the staff there that day are still there (like me), so to this day I have to tolerate an element of mickey taking whenever I head for the stairs!
All the best to you recent 'breakers', best advice I can give is do the exercises you are given with religeous fervour to get your range of movement back as fast & as well as you can. Residual pain or swelling........don't be fobbed off with "nothing we can do" or "it'll get better in time", ask for a referral!
Regards everyone
Jeannette - aka sagalout1954
cathie53098 jeannette54
Posted
I have looked at this thread from time to time over the last two years since I shattered the head of my right distal radius, and fractured the head of the ulnar too in a simple fall over a cobblestone in a churchyard. I tried to protect my wrist as I fell by making a fist, but landing on it was probably worse than if I had fallen on the hand outstretched. Long story but I ended up having two operations within three weeks. The first failed because one titanium plate wasn't enough to hold the bits together - the very pleasant surgeon told me with a lot of apologies that she wasn't really skilled enough and referred me to someone else. He was doubtful about the outcome but did a brilliant job fixing a plate on each side of the bone. I think the plates are about 3 inches long with about 10 screws. I was in quite a bad state after two long and debilitating ops and a lot of anxiety and pain. I had two weeks of rehab in a wonderful convalescant home where at first my food was cut up for me etc. The focus was on rehab - brilliant! I was in a full cast for about 5 weeks after the second op (and three before, so was really sick ot it!). As soon as it was off I started doing as much as I could with a splint on most of the time. I had three different physios at various times, a hand specialist (excellent), and an NHS and a Private Physio. I carried on seeing the private physio for about 9 months and she gave me a lot of encouragement, good exercises and thoroughly stretched my wrist joint on each visit.
Two years on,, vast improvement and I think I am still improving. Yes the back of my wrist joint is stiff but not numb or painful, and I can no longer stretch an octave because my little finger and the one next to it are bent. I don't think the ulnar healed quite right as it was secondary to the setting of the radius. I have generally flexible joints and since the case came off I have always done as much as I could - carrying bags, opening bottles, reaching things down from high shelves, decorating, gardening etc. I was driving and typing reasonably soon but it was a least nine months before the swelling in my fingers went down and i had some odd expalning rings to tide me over.
I guess that I have just become used to some minor limitation of movement so I really don't think about it unless I find something that reminds me that the joint is stiff. It was hard starting to write again, but my rather firm handwriting is now the same as it always was. I found putting a bank card into an ATM very difficult for quite a while, particularly the twist to take it out of the slot! I am 69+, perhaps with slightly crumbly bones, and was told by one of the doctors some time afterwards that it had been 'a salvage job'!!
Considering everything I am really pleased with the progress I have made and I wanted to say that although I don't hink I ever posted on here, although i meant to, I found this thread very helpful, even just knowing that there were others out there who'd been through the same thing. So I hope this too is helpful. It takes perseverence and acceptance in the first months. The details of our experiences are different but I think for everyone progress can be huge if you work at it. And the pain does go!
rosa17696 sagalout1954
Posted
i fell off a ladder on 13th december and broke my right distal radius, on 16 december i had surgery to pin and plate it, i had my cast off on 1st february and like many others on this forum i amd doing the nhs suggested physio exercises, probably about 4 times a day but i find the wrist bending one very hard as when i bend my wrist downwards it feels like there is something hard under the skin which digs into my wrist. also i have found that im really nervous to go out for a walk without my arm in a sling in case I hurt my fracture does anyone else feel like this I'm not normally timid!
harshita1211 sagalout1954
Posted
HEllo sagalout, I fell on my outstretched hand and ad a comminuted intraarticular fracture. 4 pieces. This was 5week back. Surgery ORIF done plate and 5Screws fixed. I am in splint since the. I can move my fingers, make a fist,. Opefully splin will be removed after 6 weeks. Then physiotherapy. How long it takes to get fubtionality back. Is it painful after splint is removed. Pls reply I am very anxious and want to recover soon. Thanks.Harshita