Hello
At 1 year after a comminuted distal radius fracture, ongoing pain, visible deformity, and restricted wrist movement usually mean malunion (the bone healed in a wrong position).
The wrist joint alignment is altered → causes pain and stiffness Tendons and cartilage may be under abnormal stress Strength and range of motion remain limited without correction
Orthopedic hand surgeon evaluation is essential Corrective osteotomy (surgical re-breaking and realignment of the bone) is often the definitive treatment at this stage
Surgery may involve plates/screws and bone graft Physiotherapy alone will not fix the deformity, but is important after surgery
This is not a waiting issue anymore. You should consult a hand or orthopedic trauma surgeon to discuss corrective surgery options.
Earlier intervention gives better motion recovery, but benefit is still expected at your age
Get well soon Thank you !
If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, limited movement, and noticeable deformity this long after the fracture, it’s likely that the bone has healed in a misaligned position—a situation often referred to as malunion. This can compromise not only function but also range of motion, as you’ve noted. Depending on the exact position and degree of the misalignment, it may also impact adjacent joints, potentially causing early arthritis due to altered mechanics. It’s important to consult with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss possible interventions. Surgical options like an osteotomy, where they re-break and align the bone properly, might be necessary to restore proper function and alleviate your symptoms. However, the type and extent of surgery depend on factors like your age, bone quality, and specific nature of the malunion. Non-surgical approaches might include physical therapy for improving range of motion and wrist strength, but these may have limited effectiveness if malalignment is significant. While awaiting a specialist consultation, you should avoid activities that exacerbate the pain or stress the wrist further. Pain management with OTC analgesics like ibuprofen might help alleviate discomfort temporarily, but be sure to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s suited to your medical history. It’s crucial not to delay in seeking a detailed plan with your orthopedic surgeon because chronic pain and impaired function could worsen over time, and early intervention might prevent further deterioration or complications.
