How do I manage a Greenstick fracture?

How are greenstick fractures treated? In most cases, greenstick fractures are treated by immobilizing the bone (keeping it from moving) with a cast or a splint. Most casts remain in place for 4-6 weeks.

How do you rehab a distal radius fracture?

Rehabilitation of distal radius fractures is divided into 3 stages: splinting (for edema control), mobilization, and strengthening. With appropriate rehabilitation, typical outcomes for wrist flexion, extension, pronation, and supination at 1-year follow-up are 59°, 63°, 80°, and 81°, respectively.

How long does a fracture of the distal radius take to heal?

Most distal radius fractures take 3 months or so to heal before you are able to return to all activities, and full recovery from these injuries can take up to 1 year.

What is a Greenstick fracture of the distal radius?

A greenstick fracture occurs when a bone bends and cracks, instead of breaking completely into separate pieces. The fracture looks similar to what happens when you try to break a small, “green” branch on a tree. Most greenstick fractures occur in children younger than 10 years of age.

What type of splint is used for greenstick fractures?

Conclusion. In children with minimally angulated greenstick or transverse fractures of the distal radius, use of a prefabricated splint was as effective as a short arm cast with respect to recovery of physical function.

Do greenstick fractures need reduction?

If the degree of angulation is significant, then the healthcare provider needs to perform a closed reduction and immobilization. [10] All greenstick fractures require immobilization, and casting several days after the initial injury decreases the risk of the need to recast due to increasing edema post fracture.

When do you start physiotherapy after a broken wrist?

Stage Four Wrist Exercises (10-12 weeks post fracture) At 10-12 weeks after your injury, you can start taking some body weight through your wrist.

Can I go to work with broken wrist?

In general terms your wrist will take six to eight weeks to heal fully and during this time you will be unable to lift heavy items or do heavy manual work. However if you can do office-based duties you can potentially return to work with your plaster on before this time.

How long does it take to recover from a greenstick fracture?

X-rays are required in a few weeks to make sure the fracture is healing properly, to check the alignment of the bone, and to determine when a cast is no longer needed. Most greenstick fractures require four to eight weeks for complete healing, depending on the break and the age of the child.

What is the difference between cast and splint?

A cast wraps all the way around an injury and can only be removed in the doctor’s office. All casts are custom-made with fiberglass or plaster. A splint is like a “half cast.” The hard part of a splint does not wrap all the way around the injured area. It is held in place by an elastic bandage or other material.

Do I need physiotherapy after a broken wrist?

Summary. If you had a Colles’ fracture, you may need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in your wrist. Your physical therapist will work with you on exercises to do at home. This may include improving your wrist’s range of motion, working on your grip, and increasing strength in your fingers and wrist.

Can you exercise with a fractured wrist?

While Your Wrist Is In a Cast or a Sling Most people with wrist fractures will slowly return to exercising the other arm and the legs, so that the rest of the body doesn’t get out of shape while the fracture is healing.

Can I work with a distal radius fracture?

Time lost from work after a distal radius fracture is highly variable. Patients who have higher job demands (hand use), are on workers compensation, report higher initial pain/disability and who present with more severe displacement have the highest lost-time.

How long should I be off work with a fractured wrist?

Is greenstick fracture serious?

Greenstick fractures have a high risk of breaking completely through the bone, so most of these types of fractures are immobilized in a cast during healing. On occasion, your doctor may decide that a removable splint could work just as well, particularly if the break is mostly healed.