A severely comminuted distal radius fracture — broken into several pieces — sometimes requires a spanning plate for extra stability, which is generally removed once the bone has healed enough to no longer need it.
This page explains how a distal radius fracture after surgery — severe/comminuted pattern is commonly managed, in plain language, based on Dr. Kee's typical approach to this injury.
Every fracture is different. Treatment varies based on the exact fracture pattern, displacement, age, whether surgery is needed, bone quality, other injuries, and how an individual heals. This page is general education, not your personal treatment plan — always follow the specific instructions given to you by Dr. Kee's office.
A severely comminuted distal radius fracture — broken into several pieces — sometimes requires a spanning plate for extra stability, which is generally removed once the bone has healed enough to no longer need it.
Severe comminution often means a longer stiffness and recovery timeline even when alignment is restored.
This fracture is generally treated with surgery to stabilize the bone while it heals. Your surgeon will explain the specific technique planned for your fracture pattern.
A long-arm splint, then a short-arm cast, for a total of about 8 weeks.
No weight bearing (NWB) through the wrist for about 8 weeks.
For a full explanation of what these weight-bearing terms mean, see our Weight-Bearing Guide.
No resistance or strengthening (NRM) through the wrist for about 8 weeks.
Finger motion immediately; staged wrist/forearm therapy after cast or spanning-plate milestones.
A follow-up visit around 2 weeks for a skin check and suture removal, then a 6–8 week X-ray to confirm healing. If a dorsal spanning plate was used, a return visit around 2 months is generally planned for hardware removal. An optional 6–9 month X-ray may be used to monitor final healing.
Every fracture moves through the same general phases, though the exact timing is different for every patient:
Work or School: Desk work with restrictions; lifting/manual work after plate removal if applicable and healing.
Sports or High-Risk Activity: Often 3–4 months or longer depending on comminution and stiffness.
Wound issues, infection, numbness, tendon problems, loss of fixation, hardware complications, or complex regional pain.
See our full When to Call page for the difference between routine office contact and emergency evaluation.
A long-arm splint, then a short-arm cast, for a total of about 8 weeks.
Your surgeon will guide when it's safe to return to these activities based on how your specific fracture is healing. Follow the instructions given specifically to you.
If a dorsal spanning plate was used to stabilize a severely broken (comminuted) fracture, hardware removal is typically planned around 2 months after surgery.
Every fracture heals differently. If you have questions about your treatment plan, reach out to Dr. Kee's office.