A 14-year-old girl presents with severe left-hand and wrist pain two months after open reduction and internal fixation of a distal radius fracture. She describes burning pain (8/10), swelling, coolness, and bluish discoloration of the hand, and she avoids movement because “it hurts more when I try.” On examination, the left hand is mildly edematous and cooler than the right. Light touch produces marked pain, and active wrist motion is limited by guarding. Surgical incisions are well healed without signs of infection, and radiographs confirm complete fracture union with intact hardware. What is the most effective strategy to prevent long-term disability in this adolescent?
Correct!
Wrong!
Question of the Month - January 2026