Isolated undisplaced ulna / radius fracture

What is an isolated undisplaced ulna / radius fracture?

You have broken one of the bones in your wrist. The wrist is made up of two long bones, and several smaller bones in the hand.

The usual cause of a wrist fracture is a fall. The person falling tries to break their fall by putting their hand out to save themselves, and in doing so, the wrist is forced backwards. Another mechanism for breaking a bone in the wrist is by landing on your arm onto the edge of a table or kerb.

Swelling and bruising at the injury site is normal. Simple, over the counter pain killers and applying ice to the area will help to reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied, wrapped in a tea towel, for 20 minutes three to four times a day.

You should:

• if a splint has been applied, keep it on at all times, even at night. It can be removed for hygiene reasons.
• if you have been given a temporary cast you must keep this dry. Do not get it wet.
• keep your fingers moving while wearing the splint / cast to prevent your fingers becoming stiff.
• elevate your hand in the days following your injury to help reduce swelling.

You should not:

• drive whilst wearing the splint / cast.
• take part in any physical contact sports, guided by your consultant at your clinic appointment.
• miss your clinic appointment if this has been requested.

Please remember:

Please contact your GP if your condition is not improving, or if your pain relief is not adequate.

If your condition is worsening, please contact the Multi professional fracture clinic, call 01223 348299 or call 01223 257095.

For more information please visit Fracture Info (opens in a new tab)

For any concerns on wounds e-mail add-tr.cuhfractureinfo@nhs.net

Please include your hospital number and any photos of your wounds that you would like to be reviewed.