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Shattered Distal Radius

Posted , 65 users are following.

sagalout1954
sagalout1954

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

242 Replies

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  • Cassp
    Cassp sagalout1954

    Posted

    Hi everyone

    It's been 4 and a half months since my break and life is close to normal which means that I've got good flexibility with some stiffness and soreness but I still need to build up strength. Still, I must reluctantly admit that I'm capable of just about all household tasks.

    Jo, I recommend that you prepare your partner that you won't be able to do much for at least a couple of weeks and probably a bit longer after the cast comes off. You may also experience quite a bit of pain for the first couple of weeks. If you're doing physical therapy it's a good idea to take a painkiller before you go, at least for the first couple of visits. I've also posted here before about an analgesic cream I had prescribed called Baume St Bernard, creme antalgique adulte (douleurs musculaires & tendino-ligamentaires). It's only available in France but is incredibly effective.

    In terms of going back to work, you do need to be careful. I had a big event to organise; while my wrist was in the cast I found it very difficult and mostly used my ipad with my left hand, with voice recognition software and the full office suite. Then as things improved I made more use of my computer. I did worry at times that I'd end up with an over-use injury and there were some very sore nights, but I think that using my fingers might have actually helped getting the swelling down, which in turn helped reduce the pain.

  • Maryje50
    Maryje50 sagalout1954

    Posted

    Thanks all for supportive and helpful feedback and advice about pain killers prior to physio sounds a good idea. I have been recommended a voice recognition device for computer on return to work so will follow this up. Cast hopefully will come off end of next week and really planning a phased return the following Monday, albeit from comments  I now realise I won't be able to drive for at least a week post de casting. Would rather be working but very difficult with such restricted movements and mindful of ensuring recovery is optimised via care/ rest. Will definetly update husband on his need to keep doing chores 😆😆

     

    • mel890
      mel890 Maryje50

      Posted

      Purchase Dragon software not the free , it cost around 75$ and is worth every penny , make sure to study all the commands you can use with it, it is professional ,I use it for all communication I have it on my iPad,android Galaxy S5 and computer 
  • Cassp
    Cassp sagalout1954

    Posted

    The software I got is called Dragon and I downloaded free of charge it from the App Store (search for speech recognition). It mightn't be the best available but it's worth trying - I found that it works OK.
  • helen2127
    helen2127 sagalout1954

    Posted

    Hi everyone! I thought I'd update as it's helpful to know there is light at the end of the tunnel for those people who have recently broken their wrist and don't know what to expect long term (I was one of those people!)

    I broke my wrist at the end of October and had six weeks in plaster. The doc give me a very scratchy wrist support, so I bought my own softer strap from boots which I wore on and off.

    I first took my little girl to her swimming lessons after the Christmas hols and wore my wrist strap the first and possibly the second lesson for a bit of support to lower myself in the pool (which I had to do more left handed at first) and to support my 2.5 year old in the water. After about two weeks I was just about back to normal.

    I started to exercise again after Christmas and although I definitely feel an extra weakness in my right wrist (I don't think they've ever been that strong) I can now manage press-ups (lady version!) and other exercises involving my wrist well.

    I have the occasional ache, but nothing bothersome and my movement is almost 95% back to normal I'd say.

    Oh...bowling!! I went bowling about a month ago and I was absolutely shocking! Much, much worse than I've ever been and the ball kept going down the alley. It was very frustrating and I had to blame it on my wrist; I've never been quite that bad before :-)

    As to going back to work I can't really comment too much as I teach in a primary school just one day a week, so I managed fine after the removal of my cast. Whilst wearing my cast I was unable to mark properly so mostly ticked and stamped work and wrote the occasional comment (very badly!). When the cast was removed my writing was almost back to normal and I just got the children to help move things like piles of books etc.

    As people have said the journey is very up and down, but we have all managed to get back to normal in the space of a few months, so don't be disheartened. Helen x

  • mel890
    mel890 sagalout1954

    Posted

    I broke my distal radius and had to have surgery February 4,2015 , wow the pain was right up .there with my tri level fusion with cages,plates and screws . I am disabled 58 yr old woman , for about six wks the pain and the weight of the cast on my neck caused a lot of sleepless nights but once the cast was removed March 17 th 2015 about just a month ago ,I am pretty well on my way to being fairly normal I would say I have 85% ,still tight and painful to twist and move my hand up and down 
  • Paul_M10s
    Paul_M10s sagalout1954

    Posted

    Hi everyone I thought my recovery was slow, now I feel embarrassed. 5 weeks and 4 days ago I crashed my cycle at 40mph resulting in a distal radius fracture requiring an open reduction.Crashed at 11.30 paramedic arrived 12 , ambulance 12.15, got wrist set at 5.00 opted for local anaesthetic.Anyone who doesn't like pain morphine is for you. The next day I returned for an open reduction and had 2 surgeons fighting over the operation such was the damage.Had the operation at 3.30 and spent the night in hospital.I was not allowed to sleep until 3am but felt no pain all night. The ward doctor was amazed I didn't require any pain killers. First thing in the morning I could cross my fingers while they were in the cast and upon discharge dress myself and fasten my shoelaces! The cast was on for 2 weeks and a few days then I had a neoprene wrist brace and used this off and on for another 2 weeks.For 4 weeks I slept with my arm elevated using the foam brace I had in hospital.I think the hospital give me 10 days worth of ibuprofen and paracetamol and haven't needed many more. Had my first physio 4 weeks after opp. where my wrist was manipulated this was a little painful but felt fantastic at the same time, after this movement has been good.I can brush my teeth as normal ( right wrist , right handed) wash and comb my hair. I noted that after a 5 week period my wrist has felt better by the day. Most movement feels normal with only tightness and stiffness when I make circular motions with it and at present I can only manage 50 Deg. vertically. Twisting and down is about 95% with my grip 80%. The most discomfort is stinging to lower palm and wrist as well a tightness with my tendons. I must admit up until the 5 week point I was a little despondent with lack of  progress! After reading all these posts I feel lucky indeed.
    • jason1968
      jason1968 Paul_M10s

      Posted

      Hi Paul M10s, reading your post it does seem you've made a remarkable recovery in a short space of time.

      I also shattered the distal radius of my right (dominant) hand.

      Also I fractured the styloid process of the ulna.I had my accident falling from a ladder, this was 6 1/2 weeks ago. The damage was to an extent that I had to have a plate and screws to fix the radius, although the ulna is left to heal naturally.

      I'm due to begin physio this Thursday and have been doing some exercises at home which the hospital gave me to do.

      My wrist at the moment is very stiff and I find doing the exercises really hard but have noticed small gains in just a week since I started them.

      The biggest problem is the little finger side of my hand and around the styloid is really painful.I feel this is hindering my progress.

      The plate really doesn't give me much pain but the tendons around it are extremely tight and I have only small upward flex at the moment.

      Hoping the physio this week will help as i am hoping to return to work soon.

      Good luck with the rest of your recovery.

    • Paul_M10s
      Paul_M10s jason1968

      Posted

      Hi ,Jason 1968 I can't tell that I have a titanium plate in my wrist either and it has never given me any pain. However like you say the the tendons are tight , mine pull and ticke frequently the more physio I do the more discomfort for a couple of hours off and on I get ,also stinging nettles.My aim is to be back cycling in two to three weeks so my motivation is high (also is my pain threshold !) I went hell for leather after my fist physio revelling in the pain game and for 2 day afterwards could not move my wrist! Lesson learned taking it gently no pain just little pulls often.
    • jason1968
      jason1968 Paul_M10s

      Posted

      Hi Paul, yes a little at a time.

      Learned the hard way myself too 😁

  • Paul_M10s
    Paul_M10s sagalout1954

    Posted

    Well 6 weeks since I left hospital after having my wrist screwed back onto my arm via a titanium plate and some screws.I have achieved my goal of returning to cycling, albeit only 20miles, small steps I was told my wrist is good for 50miles but the swelling would probably keep me grounded for a few days. I hope to be ready for 100mile rides within a few weeks. I am very happy as the consultant before the operation informed me that it would be at least 6months until I would be able to cycle.Then due to the damage I would only have limited stiff movement and arthritis this would be especially difficult for me as it was my dominant hand. Que the two surgeons who were vying to perform the procedure they were confident of a much more agreeable outcome 6 weeks back on my bike 8 weeks upto speed and fix me to as close to pre accident as is possible. The morning after the opp. I could cross my fingers and managed to tie my shoelaces. I do believe that I was fortunate in receiving such superb care , looking at my arm you can't tell it has ever been broken. I simply could not ask for more such a big thanks to the NHS and Darlington Hospital. Obviously it still has a lot of healing to do but despite the discomfort I can do 80% to 90% of what I need to do. I was told the main reason for such good outcome was that I set about using my wrist streight away, the worst thing is not to move it due to the pain. Do as much as you can safely without damaging it, it will hurt accept it , in the long run you will reap the rewards as early movement is the key. So no more physio appointments required , 100% strength should return soon. I must say also the physiotherapist Pete from Bishop Auckland hospital  NHS was super as well in eking out more movement albeit in a painfull way. Felt so good after the visits.
  • lyndsay71450
    lyndsay71450 sagalout1954

    Posted

    Thank you for your post, I'm dictating this on my computer as I have the same problem you had! Facing an operation tomorrow to have a plate put in, I have just realised my elbow is really inflexible as well and I cannot hold my arms straight any more. I've been in so much pain since the accident happened (five hours out at sea in a storm - no painkillers). It's been three weeks since then, and every day agony with four changes of cast. I have been terribly worried that I will never get back proper use of my arm again–and your post has given me hope. Thank you so much taking the time to post it. I'm searching the Internet to see what the complications are in the delay of having this operation–which is mainly due to the death of my mother straight after the accident. Hey Ho… you never know what life throws at you, and when it does it makes you realise what hell it must be for people who suffer something worse.
    • Paul_M10s
      Paul_M10s lyndsay71450

      Posted

      Hi lynday

      I can relate to your 5 hour wait, broke it 11.30 , paramedic arrived 12.00 followed by an ambulance at 12.15 (crashed my cycle doing 40 mph Buttertubs pass Yorkshire) arrived in hospital after 1 and got it set at 4 then fell out of my wheelchair landing on my broken wrist, now that was real pain! I hope the delay for the operation does not cause you to many more difficultys. My bad arm would not straighten and hurt more than my wrist. I had no pain in my wrist after the op. which I had the very next day until the cast came off, when I did remark that if I didn't want to ride my cycles as much as I did " I would happily never move my wrist again " . Every movement felt like it was going to snap again, it didn't and it won't so you've just got to get on with it. My first physio exercises made my literally want to be sick. After yesterday my fingers and hand are sore and I still can not stand a sleeve over my break, it doesn't hurt just annoys the hell out of me. I was rather despondent until 5 weeks after my op. when my wrist just seemed to get better by the day, that's when I could brush my teeth as normal - still with a little discomfort and comb my hair. I do not mind posting as I was frantically looking for info on the net and all I found was less than agreeable information. I do hope that your surgeon is as good as mine, enjoy the 2 weeks in the cast as when it goes you will know about it ! One more point that I would recommend TAKE THE FOAM TRAUMA SLING home with you ( assuming all NHS use the same) the one that they use to suspend your arm with over night post op. My nurse recommend this , I tied it to my bedpost and each night for 4 weeks I slept with my arm in it , elevated to keep swelling down and to aid healing. I am amazed that 4 weeks since my cast was removed I am back on two wheels again as at times I did fear the worst. Early movement is key simple little things like tying your shoelaces,it will hurt but try and do your best.

       

    • lyndsay71450
      lyndsay71450 Paul_M10s

      Posted

      Thanks Paul, really helpful. little Movements like trying to comb hair really Hurt enormously, but will persevere on your advice :}
    • Paul_M10s
      Paul_M10s lyndsay71450

      Posted

      Hi Lyndsay.

      I hope you operation went well. It is surprising how little movement there is before a sudden stop and a lot of pain. I have found three good videos on YouTube " WB Wrist Hand Injury" by Claudia Barfield La Borde. When you are able to start,these are the best exercises I have found and excellent information. I am now 7 weeks post op.and have done. 22 mile and 29 mile cycle rides , with my wrist braced. Now my wrist feels very good, a lot of movement has returned and all without any pain. At the moment the last movement that is very restricted is lifting my palm up like a stop signal, this I think is gonna take some work. Another little information is that good lean protein is good for the bone to heal as I am very athletic,cycling 3000 miles a year my diet was geared up for this. Smoked almonds are my favourite, a good lean stake will also provide iron again important, my wife even bought Pettit filous not sure about that but they are nice! 

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