Overview
Fixation of wrist (distal radius) and forearm (both-bone) fractures realigns the bones and secures them with plates and screws, restoring alignment and the rotation needed to turn the hand.
What the Procedure Involves
- Realignment of the fracture
- Plate-and-screw fixation, most often through a small incision at the wrist or forearm
- Restoration of length, alignment, and rotation
- Outpatient procedure
Who It's For
- Displaced distal radius fractures
- Both-bone forearm fractures in adults
- Fractures where alignment or rotation cannot be held in a cast
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Stable fixation often allows early wrist motion, with finger motion started immediately to prevent stiffness. Strengthening follows once the bone heals; forearm fractures can take 10–12 weeks or more to unite.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. The right procedure depends on your individual diagnosis, anatomy, and goals. Kevin O'Donnell, MD serves Coral Gables, Miami, Brickell, Pinecrest, Coconut Grove.