Distal Radius Fracture

​It’s commonly known as a wrist fracture. It typically results from a fall onto an outstretched hand or wrist. It can happen to patient with weaker bone or from a high energy trauma injury.

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Wrist deformity
• Nerve injury
• Blood circulation disruption

What will be done initially

• Radiograph of the injured wrist/arm will be done.
• You will be reviewed by a doctor at Department of Emergency Medicine(DEM).
• The fracture will be reduced under local anesthesia and immobilized with a slab and bandage.
• Radiograph will be done after a slab and bandage is put on.
• Most of the time, this types of  injury is treated as outpatient, but in cases where by injuries are more severe or extensive, inpatient admission may be required.
• If treated as outpatient, an appointment will be given to see a specialist doctor within 1 week at the clinic. 

​How do I get treated

There are many factors that affect the treatment decision, such as types and severity of fracture, age, activity level, overall health condition. The treatment  option will depends on your condition and per doctor’s advice. The specialist doctor will discuss the treatment options with you.

In the meantime, what should I do while waiting for my outpatient appointment
• Keep the injured hand elevated to reduce swelling .
• Keep the bandage dry and clean , protect it when you bathe.
• Do not remove the bandage on your own.
• Keep fingers and other joints mobile as per your doctor’s advice.
• Adequate pain control by taking oral pain medication.
• Avoid carry objects with injured hand.

When and how to seek further treatment

Seek urgent medical consultation with your doctor at the Department of Emergency Medicine of Singapore General Hospital if any one of the following conditions occurs:
• Fever of 38°C and above
• Severe pain, especially when the pain is not better with pain killers
• Increase in swelling which not relieved by elevation / medication.
• If fingers turn pale or blue, increase in numbness, decrease in sensation.
• Any other abnormal and / or prolonged symptoms which cause concern.

Patient Education Materials

Distal Radius Fracture- Surgery
The following instructions contain general information and advice regarding your condition. The guide contains information on how to prepare for your surgery.
Download the guide >

Distal Radius Fracture- Conservative Management
The following instructions contain general information and advice regarding your condition. The guide contains information on how to manage your condition. 
Dowload the guide >

​Follow - Up Appointment

• Keep your appointment(s) as scheduled, reschedule your appointment as soon as possible if your missed your appointment
• Report to Specialist Outpatient Clinic on your appointment date and time.

For any change of appointments(s) in Singapore General Hospital Outpatient clinic, you can make or change appointment here. You can also download Singhealth Health Buddy Application or call the Singapore General Hospital appointment hotline at (65) 6321 4377 OR email to [email protected].