What is ORIF of distal radius?

A distal radius ORIF is a 30-90-minute outpatient surgery that is typically performed under either general anesthesia or regional “nerve block” anesthesia. After the patient is comfortable and asleep, the procedure is performed through the following steps: An incision is made on the palm side of the forearm and wrist.

How long does a wrist ORIF take to heal?

What is the recovery time? Full recovery and return to unrestricted activity following ORIF wrist surgery usually takes 8-10 weeks. For the first week, the goal is to control swelling and pain. The patient will need to keep the wrist elevated and iced, moving the fingers regularly to avoid stiffness.

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 is ORIF radius fracture?

ORIF or open reduction and internal fixation is a surgical technique employed for the treatment of a fracture to restore normal anatomy and improve range of motion and function.

What happens after ORIF wrist surgery?

Once you have undergone ORIF wrist surgery, your wrist will be immobilised using a cast or a splint for up to three weeks. You may initially experience some numbness before the anaesthesia wears off fully. You will feel some pain post surgery which you will be given pain killers for.

Do greenstick fractures require surgery?

Management and Treatment Some patients need surgery for more serious greenstick fractures. Surgery may be done to realign the bone. The doctor may insert a slender rod or a metal plate with screws into the bone surrounding the fracture to maintain alignment while the bone is healing.

How painful is a greenstick fracture?

The symptoms of a greenstick fracture vary depending on the severity of the fracture. You may only develop a bruise or general tenderness in more mild fractures. In other cases, there might be an obvious bend in the limb or fractured area, accompanied by swelling and pain.

How painful is an ORIF?

You can expect some pain and swelling around the cut (incision) the doctor made. This should get better within a few days after your surgery. But it is normal to have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.