The distal end of the radius bone is the most commonly injured part of the musculoskeletal system among fractures, accounting for approximately 16% of all non-displaced bone injuries. Often, it is caused by falling onto an outstretched hand. Treatment options depend on the presence of bone fragments, displacement, fracture line, and associated musculoskeletal injuries.
Principles of treatment for radius bone fractures
The main goal of the doctor in rehabilitating a radius fracture is to restore limb function. Usually, it is sufficient to apply a plaster cast, immobilize the arm, and perform a series of surgical rehabilitation procedures, usually lasting two to three months. However, in cases of dislocation or fragmentation of the bone, surgery may be required. Treatment for complex fractures and rehabilitation after a radius bone fracture typically takes an average of three to four weeks, while rehabilitation for a displaced fracture of the radius bone may take up to six months.
Anatomy of the forearm and causes of fractures
The forearm consists of two bones, the ulna and radius, which provide support. Most flexor muscles originate from the ulna, while orthopedic muscles originate from the radius. During injury, fragments often become displaced due to muscle spasms, which make the limb painful. Failure to properly restore the radius bone after a fracture can result in improper healing and loss of normal limb function. High-quality rehabilitation after a displaced radius bone fracture can only be performed in specialized centers that monitor a the patient’s condition closely.
There are three main causes of fractures in the lower part of the radius bone:
- Accidental falls – reflexive hand grabbing while landing can lead to a fracture.
- Osteoporosis – reduced bone strength and increased susceptibility to injury, making bones more susceptible to fractures.
- Degenerative and dystrophic changes – with age, all tissues in the body, including bones, break down.
These injuries are more common in accidents involving elderly or young people. These criteria determine how much time will be required to restore the arm after a radius bone fracture. Young patients heal quickly, so two to three months may be sufficient; patients over the age of 50-60 may require up to a year to recover from a displaced radius bone fracture.
What is the rehabilitation process after a radial bone fracture?
One of the two forearm bones is the radius. This bone is located on the first finger and is approximately parallel to the ulna on the little finger. A radial bone fracture is one of the most common injuries to the musculoskeletal system. It usually occurs when falling on the hands. Fractures of the upper part of the radius and the epiphysis are usually diagnosed in children, young and middle-aged people, while radial bone fractures in a typical position occur in the elderly.
Conservative or surgical treatment strategy are applied for radial bone injuries. Surgery is indicated only in exceptional cases for hand rehabilitation after a radial bone fracture.
To help patients recover, rehabilitation activities are necessary. These include:
- breathing exercises;
- physical therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- massage, etc.
If the radial bone is damaged, then a bone cast is applied. The slightly bent arm is immobilized from the base of the fingers to one-third of the shoulder.
Before starting the forearm fracture recovery, the doctor will examine your medical history and health status. Based on this information, a rehabilitation plan will be developed.
First aid and treatment for the elderly
If an elderly person falls and injures his arm, it is important to call an ambulance immediately. However, it is important to help the patient before the ambulance arrives. First, immobilize the arm up to the shoulder joint. If the wound is open, apply a bandage to stop the bleeding. If the pain is unbearable, pain relievers can be taken. In this case, a healthcare professional should be informed about the medications taken.
Treatment depends on the degree of damage. For the elderly, applying a cast may be sufficient, or surgical intervention may be required. A cast alone is often not enough to stabilize the bone fragments in one position, and additional fixation through the skin using a pin is required. After repositioning, the patient undergoes a repeat X-ray. If the bone is properly aligned, the doctor allows the patient to wear a cast. If the doctor is not satisfied with the condition of the bone, open surgery is performed.
Radial bone fractures usually occur in a typical falling position with an outstretched arm, just before the bone transitions into the wrist joint. These injuries can be treated if a traumatologist is consulted as early as possible for recovery after a radial bone fracture of the hand. The bone is repositioned, a cast is applied, and the patient waits for a month for the bone to heal. Some people mistakenly believe that hand rehabilitation after a radial bone fracture begins after the X-ray and cast are removed. However, the need for rehabilitation activities should be considered two to three days after the injury and the application of the cast.
The fracture should be immobilized with a stabilizing bandage and maintain the mobility of the hand and the palmar part. Hand rehabilitation should begin at this point, including exercises for rehabilitation after a radial bone fracture. You can familiarize yourself with the exercises by following the link.
- Roll two balls slightly larger than a walnut, you can use a ping-pong ball. This exercise trains all the muscles and joints of the hand and develops each finger. This exercise can be performed for an extended period.
- After consulting with a doctor, you can start working your hands intensively. For that, choose a wrist exerciser with different levels of stiffness. Do 10-15 hand compressions 3-4 times a day. If there is no pain and swelling after the exercises, the number of daily sets can be increased.
- Bending and extending the fingers. Bone fusion occurs with active blood circulation. It delivers all the minerals and collagen proteins to the injured area. Lack of physical exercise reduces blood flow and delays healing, so simple bending and extending finger movements have a significant impact on the process of bone keratin formation.
After about a month, the cast is removed. A repeat scan is performed to ensure that the bone fragments have healed properly. If the results are satisfactory, a tight bandage with stiffening ribs is applied for two weeks.
During this time, the hand should be free, and physiotherapy needs to be intensified.
- After the cast is removed, you can carefully perform rotational movements with your hand. The range of rotation should be minimal to avoid overloading and pain. Movements should be performed counterclockwise, then clockwise.
- Move the wrist up and down, to the left and right.
- Raise your hand up, as if you are twisting a light bulb.
- Exercises for radial bone fractures should be combined with a hot bath for the increased effectiveness: put two tablespoons of sea salt in a basin with water at 38-40°. Immerse your hands in warm water and perform a series of twisting and bending wrist movements without exerting effort. After each such procedure, the width of the joint bend increases by 5-10%.
Video: “Rehabilitation after a Hand Fracture”
Upper limb. Set No.1 improvement of mobility and range of joint movement
For additional information about the recovery process after a hand fracture, you can watch a video demonstrating exercises and rehabilitation recommendations.
Rehabilitation after a fracture
In the hospital, rehabilitation after a fracture of the elbow radial bone is carried out under the supervision highly qualified doctors. Leading specialists in the field of restorative medicine take an individual approach to each patient when choosing a rehabilitation method.
Sports therapists and physiotherapists apply innovative methods of therapeutic exercise. Physiotherapists carry out state-of-the-art physiotherapy using the latest equipment. Using mechanical and electronic exercise equipment from international manufacturers, patients restore joint mobility and muscle strength during rehabilitation after a radial bone fracture of the hand.
Which doctor is involved
A traumatologist works only for the first few hours, and then simply monitors the course of the operation. After the application of a cast, a physiotherapist is involved in the work to prevent blood stagnation and maintain mobility in the joints, the movement of which is not limited by the fracture. At a later stage, a competent sports instructor or coach also joins to strengthen muscles and restore normal tension in the lagging area.
In addition, depending on the location of the fracture, separate specialists may be involved. For example, in the rehabilitation of wrist fractures, a radiocarpal therapist may participate.
Physical therapy after a hand fracture
Physiotherapy after a hand fracture is an important element that can help accelerate the healing process and restore mobility and functionality to the injured limb.
The rehabilitation program after a radial bone fracture should include activities aimed at restoring the disrupted anatomical and functional connections between the components of the forearm. Only using such an approach, the normal function of the entire upper limb can be ensured.
Unfortunately, deep soft tissues are difficult to access for masseurs, and the possibilities of physiotherapy are limited by the weakness of damaged muscle fibers and pain syndromes. On the other hand, osteopathic techniques can help restore the interrelated position of all forearm elements.
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