Designed and created by Guideline Central in participation with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Management of Distal Radius Fractures
Patient Guideline Summary
Publication Date: December 4, 2020
Last Updated: November 1, 2023
Objective
Objective
This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand for the Management of Distal Radius Fractures. It is limited to adults 18 years of age and older and should not be used as a reference for children.
Overview
Overview
• The distal radius is that part of a forearm bone that connects to the wrist.
• This patient summary focuses on optimum management of this fracture.
• This patient summary focuses on optimum management of this fracture.
Treatment
Treatment
• There is probably no outcome improvement with the use of arthroscopy during surgery.
• There is probably no outcome improvement with supervised rehabilitation compared with a home exercise program.
• Surgery offers no improvement over non-surgical management in patients over 65 years of age.
• There is probably no outcome improvement with extra x-rays.
• The method of surgical repair does not affect the outcome in complete articular (when the break extends into the wrist joint) or unstable (does not remain in place after non-surgical reduction) distal radial fractures. An exception exists in that the use of volar locking plates leads to an earlier return of function.
• Your healthcare provider may recommend approaches to minimize or avoid opioids for pain management after a distal radius fracture. Other pain medications and treatments may be used instead of or along with opioids to help manage pain.
• There is probably no outcome improvement with supervised rehabilitation compared with a home exercise program.
• Surgery offers no improvement over non-surgical management in patients over 65 years of age.
• There is probably no outcome improvement with extra x-rays.
• The method of surgical repair does not affect the outcome in complete articular (when the break extends into the wrist joint) or unstable (does not remain in place after non-surgical reduction) distal radial fractures. An exception exists in that the use of volar locking plates leads to an earlier return of function.
• Your healthcare provider may recommend approaches to minimize or avoid opioids for pain management after a distal radius fracture. Other pain medications and treatments may be used instead of or along with opioids to help manage pain.
Abbreviations
- AAOS: American Academy Of Orthopedic Surgeons
Source Citation
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Distal Radius Fractures Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. www.aaos.org/drfcpg. Published December 5, 2020.
Disclaimer
The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.