History: 35 year-old male fell off a 10-foot ladder at work injuring his left wrist. X-rays showed a wrist fracture with displacement and angulation resulting in severe pain, swelling, and deformity.
Diagnosis: Left distal radius fracture
Treatment: Open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws
Outcome: At 6 weeks he had regained nearly all motion, was still working on increase his strength, and had no pain. The scar was hardly noticeable. X-rays showed the bones were in perfect alignment.