Editing Distal radius fracture (section)

=== Complications ===
[[Nonunion]] is rare; almost all of these fractures heal. [[Malunion]], however, is not uncommon, and can lead to residual pain, grip weakness, reduced range of motion (especially rotation), and persistent deformity. Symptomatic malunion may require additional surgery. If the joint surface is damaged and heals with more than 1–2&nbsp;mm of unevenness, the wrist joint will be prone to post-traumatic [[osteoarthritis]]. Half of nonosteoporotic patients will develop post-traumatic arthritis, specifically limited radial deviation and wrist flexion. This arthritis can worsen over time.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lameijer |first1=C. M. |last2=ten Duis |first2=H. J. |last3=van Dusseldorp |first3=I. |last4=Dijkstra |first4=P. U. |last5=van der Sluis |first5=C. K. |title=Prevalence of posttraumatic arthritis and the association with outcome measures following distal radius fractures in non-osteoporotic patients: a systematic review |journal=Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery |date=1 November 2017 |volume=137 |issue=11 |pages=1499–1513 |doi=10.1007/s00402-017-2765-0 |pmid=28770349 |pmc=5644687 }}</ref> Displaced fractures of the [[Ulnar styloid process|ulnar styloid]] base associated with a distal radius fracture result in instability of the DRUJ and resulting loss of [[forearm]] rotation.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}

Nerve injury, especially of the median nerve and presenting as carpal tunnel syndrome, is commonly reported following distal radius fractures. Tendon injury can occur in people treated both nonoperatively and operatively, most commonly to the [[Extensor pollicis longus muscle|extensor pollicis longus]] tendon. This can be due to the tendon coming in contact with protruding bone or with hardware placed following surgical procedures.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}

Complex regional pain syndrome is also associated with distal radius fractures, and can present with pain, swelling, changes in color and temperature, and/or joint contracture. The cause for this condition is unknown.<ref name=":2">{{cite book|title=Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults |editor-last1=Ricci |display-authors=etal |editor-first1=William M.|date=2015|publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins|isbn=978-1451175318|edition=8th|location=Philadelphia, Pa.}}</ref>