Following distal radius fracture, which complication is commonly anticipated?

• A. Increased grip strength
• B. Hyperextension of wrist
• C. Stiffness and reduced grip strength with risk of CRPS
• D. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer: (C)

After a distal radius fracture, immobilization and the healing response at the wrist commonly lead to stiffness and a decline in grip strength. The limited motion and disuse cause joint and soft tissue adhesions, muscle weakness, and changes in tendon glide, all of which reduce how firmly and how well the hand can grip. In some patients, this healing process can also trigger complex regional pain syndrome, a pain and autonomic disorder that brings disproportionate pain, swelling, color and temperature changes, and further movement limitations. Because these factors together are typical during recovery, stiffness with reduced grip strength and the potential for CRPS are the most commonly anticipated complications. Increased grip strength is not expected during healing, hyperextension of the wrist isn’t a typical isolated complication, and carpal tunnel syndrome can occur but is less consistently anticipated than the stiffness/CRPS pattern.