A break in the radius. A common fracture of the lower end of the radius is a Colles’ fracture, caused by falling on the outstretched hand. Fractures also occur along the shaft or at the upper end frequently involving the radial head.
A frequently encountered fracture type can impact the lower end, upper end, or central portion of the radius, which is the shorter of the two long bones in the forearm.
Among individuals aged over 40, the most prevalent fracture is the one occurring slightly above the wrist in the radius. Typically, this type of fracture is triggered by landing on the palm of the hand, leading to a backward shift of the wrist and hand.
Among young adults, one of the most frequent fractures involves the disc-shaped head of the radius, located just beneath the elbow. Treatment approach hinges on the nature and seriousness of the fracture. Minor fractures might recover with the aid of a gentle, stabilizing bandage, while more severe cases may necessitate surgical intervention. In instances where the bone’s head is severely damaged or fragmented, removal could be necessary.
When the shaft of the radius fractures, it can lead to the misalignment of the fractured bone ends. To realign and stabilize these ends, a surgical procedure might be necessary before immobilizing the limb.
Fractures of the radius typically require around six weeks for the healing process.