A distal radius fracture occurs when the end of the radius bone in your forearm breaks close to the wrist. This painful fracture is one of the most prevalent bone fractures, and it occurs in individuals of all ages and lifestyles. Knowing the causes of these fractures can enable you to take preventive steps and know when you should seek medical care.
Slipping or tripping and extending your arms to break a fall is far and away the most common way a distal radius fracture occurs. Falling onto outstretched arms allows you to catch yourself, but inflicts severe stress on the bones of the wrist, particularly the radius. Impact force goes through your palm and can cause cracking or breakage of the bone. Slippery floors, sporting activities, and surprise tripping around the house are frequent causes of this type of injury.
For older adults, particularly those with osteoporosis, a small fall can lead to a distal radius fracture. Osteoporosis weakens bone density, making bones more brittle and susceptible to breaking with less force. Women who have passed menopause are especially at risk because of low estrogen levels, which otherwise support bone strength. This is why distal radius fractures are more common in older women than in any other population group.
Active children and teens are most likely to suffer distal radius fractures from sports or playground activity. Their developing bones, while quite flexible, may still break from enough force. Skateboarding, bicycling, soccer, and gymnastics are all activities that carry risk for this injury. The good news is that younger patients recover more rapidly and more thoroughly than similar patients among adults.
High-energy crashes, specifically car crashes, are another leading cause of distal radius fractures. The crash can push the wrist against unyielding objects such as the steering wheel or dashboard. Alternatively, the body’s instinctive reaction to try to protect itself by bracing against impact can position the wrist in a precarious position. High-energy injuries tend to cause more complex fractures that can be in need of surgical repair.
Some working environments make a person more prone to wrist fractures. Construction workers, employees in factories, and those who handle heavy machinery or work at heights have a higher susceptibility to activities that may result in a distal radius fracture. Safety gear and procedures are needed to mitigate injury in these environments.
Other medical conditions apart from osteoporosis can predispose bones to fracture. They include calcium deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, hormonal imbalance, and drugs such as corticosteroids that influence bone metabolism. Routine medical evaluation can identify and treat these risk factors before a fracture happens.
Identifying the symptoms of a distal radius fracture is essential for early treatment. If you have these symptoms following an injury, immediate medical attention, possibly from a hand surgeon Singapore, is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention measures involve wrist and arm strengthening exercises, good bone health through adequate nutrition and weight-bearing exercise, making the home environment safer by eliminating trip hazards, and wearing protective equipment during high-risk activities.
Knowing why distal radius fracture occurs makes us aware of our individual risk factors and take the necessary precautions. Though we cannot eradicate all risks, knowledge and protective measures can dramatically decrease the likelihood of suffering this frequent but possibly disabling injury.
