A broken wrist, also called a distal radius fracture, is a common type of fracture seen mostly in older women and young men. After the break, the wrist is usually set and placed in a cast until the bone heals, which can take up to a year or more for full recovery. There are three main types of wrist fractures: Colles' fracture, Smith's fracture, and Barton's fracture. Colles' fracture is the most common, accounting for 90% of cases and is typically caused by falling onto an outstretched hand. Smith's fracture accounts for 5% of cases and usually occurs from falling onto the back of the wrist. Barton's fracture is caused by a compression injury to the wrist joint. The main causes of wrist fractures are trauma, such as falls, vehicular accidents, or sports injuries. Osteoporosis is another significant risk factor, particularly affecting older adults. Symptoms of a wrist fracture include immediate pain, swelling, and deformity of the wrist. Diagnosis usually requires an X-ray. Treatment options depend on the severity of the fracture and can include non-surgical methods like casting for minor misalignments or surgical methods for severe misalignments. Physical therapy is needed during recovery to restore wrist function.