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Distal Radius Fractures (Broken Wrist)

The radius is the larger of the two bones of the forearm. The end toward the wrist is called the distal end. A fracture of the distal radius occurs when the area of the radius near the wrist breaks.

Distal radius fractures are very common. In fact, the radius is the most commonly broken bone in the arm.

A Colles fracture occurs when the broken end of the radius tilts upward.

A distal radius fracture almost always occurs about 1 inch from the end of the bone. The break can occur in many different ways, however.

One of the most common distal radius fractures is a Colles fracture, in which the broken fragment of the radius tilts upward. This fracture was first described in 1814 by an Irish surgeon and anatomist, Abraham Colles -- hence the name "Colles" fracture.

Other ways the distal radius can break include:

·         Intra-articular fracture. A fracture that extends into the wrist joint. ("Articular" means "joint.")

·         Extra-articular fracture. A fracture that does not extend into the joint is called an extra-articular fracture.

·         Open fracture. When a fractured bone breaks the skin, it is called an open fracture. These types of fractures require immediate medical attention because of the risk for infection.

Comminuted fracture. When a bone is broken into more than two pieces, it is called a comminuted fracture.