How long can you walk with a splint?

Fractures of the distal radius of the arm are the most common fractures of the forearm and account for about 16% of all skeletal fractures. Typically caused by a fall on an outstretched arm. The description and classification of these fractures is based on the presence of fragments, fracture line, displacement of fragments, intra-articular or extra-articular nature, and the presence of a concomitant fracture of the ulna of the forearm.
Incorrect fusion of the distal radius after untreated or secondary displaced fractures reaches 89% and is accompanied by angular and rotational deformation of the wrist joint, shortening of the radius and impaction of the ulna in the wrist. It causes midcarpal and radiocarpal instability, uneven distribution of load on the ligamentous apparatus and articular cartilage of the radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joints. This causes pain in the ulnar part of the wrist during exercise, decreased hand strength, decreased range of motion in the wrist joint and the development of deforming arthrosis. X-ray anatomy of the wrist joint
The inclination of the articular surface of the radius in the direct projection is normally 15-25º. It is measured in relation to the perpendicular to the axis of the radius and a line along the articular surface. A change in the angle of inclination of the articular surface of the lower third of the radius is a sign of a fracture, both fresh and long-grown.

Palmar inclination is measured in the lateral projection in relation to the tangent line drawn along the palmar and dorsal eminences of the articular surface of the radius to the axial line of the radius. The normal angle is 10-15º. A clear change in angles is a sign of a fracture.

Types of radial fractures (brief classification)Fracture of the distal radius almost always occurs about 2-3 cm from the wrist joint. Colles fracture
One of the most common fractures of the distal radius is a “Colles fracture,” in which a fragment (broken fragment) of the distal radius is displaced toward the dorsum of the forearm. This fracture was first described in 1814 by the Irish surgeon and anatomist, Abraham Colles. Smith’s fracture
Robert Smith described a similar fracture of the radius in 1847. Impact on the dorsum of the hand is considered to be the cause of such a fracture. A Smith fracture is the opposite of a Colles fracture; therefore, the distal fragment is displaced towards the volar surface. Classification of fractures of the radial bone of the hand:
Other classification of radius fractures:
• Intra-articular fracture: A radial fracture in which the fracture line extends into the wrist joint.
• Extra-articular fractures: A fracture that does not extend to the articular surface.
• Open fracture: When there is a break in the skin. Damage to the skin can be from the outside to the bone (primarily open fracture), or damage to the bone from the inside (secondary open fracture). These types of fractures require immediate medical attention due to the risk of infection and serious problems with wound healing and fracture healing.
• Comminuted fracture. When a bone is broken into 3 or more fragments. It is important to classify fractures of the radius of the hand, since each type of fracture must be treated, adhering to certain standards and tactics. Intra-articular fractures, open fractures, comminuted fractures, displaced fractures of the radius cannot be left without treatment, be it closed reduction (elimination of displacement) of the fracture or surgery. Otherwise, hand function may not be fully restored.
Sometimes, a fracture of the radius is accompanied by a fracture of the adjacent ulna. Causes of radial fractures
The most common cause of distal radius fractures is a fall on an outstretched arm. Osteoporosis (a disease in which bones become brittle and more likely to break under significant stress or impact) can contribute to a fracture from a minor fall on the hand. Therefore, these fractures most often occur in people over 60 years of age.
A fracture of the radius, of course, can also occur in healthy, young people if the force of impact is strong enough. For example, car accidents, falls from a bicycle, work injuries. Symptoms of fractures of the radius of the hand
A fracture of the distal radius usually causes:
• Immediate pain;
• Hemorrhage;
• Edema;
• Crepitation of fragments (crunching);
• Numbness of fingers (rare);
• In many cases, it is accompanied by displacement of fragments and, as a result, deformation in the area of ​​the wrist joint. Diagnosis of fractures
Most distal radial fractures are diagnosed by conventional radiography in 2 projections. Computed tomography (CT) is necessary for intra-articular fractures. Delay in diagnosis of distal radius fractures can result in significant morbidity. Computed tomography (CT) is used to plan operative repairs, providing increased accuracy in assessing articular alignment in intra-articular fractures. Also in the postoperative period, to determine whether the fracture has healed.
After a wrist injury, it is necessary to exclude a fracture, even if the pain is not very intense and there is no visible deformation, there is simply no emergency in this situation. You need to apply ice through a towel, give your arm an elevated position (bend at the elbow) and contact a traumatologist.
But if the injury is very painful, the wrist is deformed, there is numbness or the fingers are pale, it is necessary to urgently go to the emergency room or call an ambulance.
To confirm the diagnosis, radiographs of the wrist joint are taken in 2 projections. X-rays are the most common and widely available diagnostic bone imaging method. Treatment of radius fractures
Treatment of fractures of any bones consists of assessing the nature of the fracture and choosing a tactic.
The goal is to return the patient to a level of functioning. The doctor’s role is to explain all treatment options to the patient; the patient’s role is to choose the option that best suits his needs and wishes.
There are many treatment options for a distal radius fracture. The choice depends on many factors, such as the nature of the fracture, the age and activity level of the patient. This is described in more detail in the treatment. Conservative treatment of radial fractures
Fractures of the radius in a typical location without displacement are usually fixed with a plaster or polymer bandage to prevent displacement. If the radius fracture is displaced, then the fragments must be returned to their correct anatomical position and fixed until the fracture heals. Otherwise, there is a risk of limited hand movements and rapid development of arthrosis of the damaged joint. The popular concept of “reduction of a fracture” is incorrect. Elimination of displacement of fragments is correctly called reposition.
After repositioning the bone fragments, the arm is fixed with a plaster splint in a certain position (depending on the type of fracture). A splint is usually used for the first few days as swelling increases. After this, it is possible to change the splint to a plaster circular bandage or a polymer bandage. Immobilization for radial fractures lasts an average of 4-5 weeks.
Depending on the nature of the fracture, follow-up radiographs may be needed 10, 21, and 30 days after reduction. This is necessary in order to timely determine the secondary displacement in the plaster and take appropriate measures: re-elimination of the displacement or surgery.
The bandage is removed 4-5 weeks after the fracture. Physical therapy of the wrist joint is prescribed for the best rehabilitation. Surgical treatment of radial fractures
Sometimes the misalignment is so severe and unstable that it cannot be corrected or held in the correct position in the cast. In this case, percutaneous fixation with pins or surgery may be required: open reduction, external osteosynthesis with a plate and screws. During this operation, the displacement of the fragments is eliminated and the bone is secured with a metal structure, the choice of which is determined by the nature of the fracture. Operating access: 1. Dorsal; 2. Palmar. A combination of both accesses. Position the patient on his back. Anesthesia: conduction anesthesia. The operation is performed in the shortest possible time using modern techniques and implants. Implants made in Switzerland and Germany. Implant material: titanium or medical steel. All operations are carried out under the control of an image intensifier (electron-optical converter). Closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation

It has been popular for many years and continues to be one of the most popular methods internationally.
First, the doctor closes the displacement of the fragments, then wires are drilled through the fragments in certain (taking into account the nature of the fracture) directions.

Pros: low trauma, speed, lightness, low cost, no incision and, as a consequence, a postoperative scar
Disadvantages: impossibility of starting early development of the wrist joint, resulting in the risk of irreversible contracture (lack of movement in the joint). Open reduction of radius fracture
Open reposition external osteosynthesis with a plate and screws. The operation involves a surgical incision, access to the broken bone by carefully retracting tendons, vessels and nerves, mobilization of bone fragments, elimination of displacement and fixation in the correct position. Broken bones are fixed with titanium plates, so the patient is allowed early development of movements in the wrist joint. Before surgery:After operation:Before surgery:After operationRecovery after a radius fracture
Since the types of fractures of the distal radius are as varied as their treatment methods, rehabilitation is different for each patient. Elimination of pain
The intensity of pain during a fracture gradually subsides over several days.
Local cold on the first day for 15 minutes every hour, rest, elevated position of the arm (bent at the elbow at the level of the heart) and NSAIDs largely eliminate the pain completely. But everyone’s pain threshold is different and some patients need strong painkillers, which can only be purchased with a prescription. Possible complications
During conservative treatment with a plaster or polymer bandage, it is necessary to monitor the hand. Observe whether the fingers swell, do not turn pale, and whether the sensitivity of the hand is preserved.
• If the plaster presses, this may be a sign of compression of soft tissues, blood vessels, nerves and lead to irreversible consequences. If such symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.
• Suppuration in the area of ​​the metal structure (extremely rare);
• Damage to blood vessels, nerves, tendons (iatrogenic complication); Rehabilitation after a fracture of the radius of the arm
Most patients return to their daily activities after a distal radius fracture within 1,5 to 2 months. Of course, the terms of rehabilitation after a fracture of the radius depend on many factors: the nature of the injury, the method of treatment, the body’s reaction to the damage.
Almost all patients have limited wrist movement after immobilization. And a lot depends on the patient, his persistence in restoring the range of motion after a fracture of the radius. If a patient is operated on using a plate, then as a rule the doctor prescribes exercise therapy for the wrist joint from the first week after surgery.

• Department of Traumatology
• Department of Neurosurgery named after G.S. Pakhomenko
• Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation
• Clinical diagnostic laboratory
• Physiotherapeutic department
• Department of Radiation Diagnostics

This information will help you learn what assisted walking is and how to do it.

About walking with aids

Walking with aids is gentle, moderate walking. Your doctor may recommend that you walk with aids in the following cases:

• You have a broken hip, leg, or foot.
• You are more likely to break your hip, leg, or foot.
• You have had surgery on your hip, leg or foot.

It is important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions.

You may need walking aids such as crutches, a cane, or a walker. You may need to have a brace, cast, or splint placed on your affected leg. The affected leg is the leg that has had surgery or a broken bone.

Your physical therapist will teach you how to walk correctly. If you use walking aids, he will adjust them to your height or teach you how to make the adjustments yourself.

When you walk with the aid of an assistive device, avoid twisting movements of the affected leg. This means that you should not turn your body when the affected leg makes contact with the ground. This will reduce the risk of leg injury.

Types of assisted walking

Walking with aids without weight bearing

When you walk with a non-weight-bearing aid, you do not put weight on the affected leg.

To walk with aids this way: