Barton Fracture of the Radius. A serious wrist fracture that requires proper treatment and rehabilitation

What Is a Barton Fracture?

A Barton fracture is a specific type of distal radius fracture (a fracture of the forearm bone near the wrist).

In this injury:

• A fragment of the joint surface of the radius breaks off

• The fracture extends into the wrist joint

• It can occur on the palm side (volar) or the back side (dorsal) of the wrist

Because the fracture goes through the joint, it is considered an intra-articular fracture, which makes it more complex than a simple wrist fracture.

How Does a Barton Fracture Happen?

The most common causes include:

• Falling onto an outstretched hand

• Sports injuries

• Car or motorcycle accidents

• High-energy trauma

This injury usually results from a direct impact to the wrist.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms include:

• Visible deformity of the wrist

• Severe pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Stiffness

• Tenderness to touch

Pain is usually strong enough that most people immediately suspect a fracture.

First Aid – What to Do Immediately

If a Barton fracture is suspected:

1. Immobilise the arm immediatelyStabilise the wrist and elbow using anything available (a stick, cardboard, wooden board) and secure it with a bandage or cloth.

2. Use a slingA simple sling (even made from a scarf) helps unload the arm.Keep the wrist in a neutral position.

3. Seek emergency medical careAny injury resembling a fracture should be assessed in an emergency department by an orthopaedic specialist.

⚠️ Even fractures that appear stable can heal incorrectly, leading to:

• Chronic wrist pain

• Loss of hand function

• Reduced range of motion

• Long-term instability

Because the wrist is a very complex joint, even a small misalignment can seriously affect hand function.

Why You Should Not Ignore This Injury

Some people avoid medical care assuming it is “just a crack.”This is risky.

Warning signs that must not be ignored:

• Severe pain

• Increasing bruising

• Numbness or tingling in the fingers

• Weak grip

Even small fractures can cause long-term problems in the movement chains of the body.Years later, untreated wrist injuries may contribute to:

• Chronic wrist pain

• Elbow or shoulder problems

• Neck pain

• Jaw pain

• Tinnitus or dizziness

This is why proper diagnosis and follow-up physiotherapy are essential.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is confirmed using:

• X-ray

• CT scan (for detailed joint assessment)

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Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment

If there is no bone displacement (which is rare in Barton fractures):

• Immobilisation in a cast or splint for 4–6 weeks

Surgical Treatment

Because Barton fractures involve the joint, surgery is often required.

Possible surgical methods include:

• Percutaneous pins

• Internal fixation with plates and screws

• External fixation (a stabilising frame outside the body)

External fixation allows stabilisation without a cast and is removed once bone healing is confirmed (usually after 4–6 weeks).

Physiotherapy – A Key Part of Recovery

The main goal of physiotherapy is to restore hand and wrist function as quickly and safely as possible.

Rehabilitation depends on:

• Bone healing seen on follow-up X-rays

• Type of fixation used

• Patient cooperation and consistency

Early Phase (Immediately After Injury or Surgery)

Focus:

• Reducing swelling

• Preventing blood clots

• Maintaining finger movement

Techniques include:

• Elevation of the arm

• Bandaging

• Lymphatic drainage

• Finger and hand exercises

Even in a cast, patients should use their fingers for daily activities like eating or dressing.

Middle Phase (6–8 Weeks)

Once bone healing is confirmed:

• Cast or fixation is removed

• Wrist flexion and extension exercises begin

• Forearm rotation (especially supination) is gradually restored

Exercises may include:

• Light resistance

• Elastic bands

• Nerve-gliding exercises to restore nerve mobility after immobilisation

Late Phase (8–12 Weeks)

Focus shifts to:

• Strength

• Stability

• Return to work and sport

Exercises may include:

• Weight-bearing tasks

• Medicine balls

• Dumbbells or barbells

• Functional and sport-specific movements

Supportive physiotherapy methods may include:

• Kinesiology taping

• Flossing

• Pinotherapy

Important Notes About Recovery

Recovery timelines are individual and depend on:

• Bone healing

• General health

• Patient compliance

The fastest and safest recovery usually happens when:

• A rigid cast is replaced with a removable brace as early as safely possible

• All joints of the arm are mobilised regularly

• Communication between patient, doctor, and physiotherapist is clear

When to See a Physiotherapist

You should see a physiotherapist if you:

• Have had a wrist fracture

• Feel stiffness or weakness after cast removal

• Want to safely return to work or sport

• Want to avoid long-term complications

Early rehabilitation makes a huge difference.

Reference

Brotzman S. B., Wilk K. E. Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, Volume I. Elsevier, 2009.