The patient in this case example sustained a broken wrist after a fall as he landed on the outstretched hand. This is called a displaced distal radius and ulnar styloid fracture. Due to the fracture pattern and the high functional requirements of the patient, surgery was recommended. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the distal radius fracture. Plates and screws were used to stabilize the distal radius fracture, while the ulnar styloid fracture healed with splinting. Hand therapy with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) was used post-operatively. Excellent wrist and forearm range of motion, excellent grip strength, and high patient satisfaction were achieved with this treatment.
Dr. Erickson is a hand surgeon and orthopedic specialist at the Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center.