Description
A wrist fracture is a break in one of the bones that make up the wrist joint. The wrist is comprised of eight smalls bones and two long forearm bones (radius and ulna). The bone most commonly fractured in the wrist is the radius. Fractures to the wrist may be non-displaced (stable) or displaced (un-stable).The most common cause of wrist fractures is falling on an outstretched hand.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Discoloration/bruising
- Swelling
- Deformity
- Limited or painful range of motion
Causes
- Falling on an outstretched hand
- Sports injury
- Direct trauma
- Motor vehicle crash
Risk Factors
- Playing contact sports
- Jobs that require climbing ladders
- Osteoporosis
Prevention
- Use caution when climbing ladders or stairs
- Use caution around slippery floors or icy areas
Diagnosis
Your doctor with discuss your symptoms, review your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination of your wrist and hand.
- X-rays: Identify the location and severity of the fracture
Treatment
Non-operative and operative treatment options.
In most cases, a wrist fracture can be treated with a splint or cast. However, if the bones shift out of position, are unstable or there is an open fracture, surgery may be required.
Non-operative
- In most cases, a simple wrist fracture (one in which there is no bone fragmentation and in which the bone fragments have not shifted out of position) can be treated with a splint or a cast.
- Other important considerations for treatment include the location of the fracture, whether there is any involvement of the wrist joint and level of activity of the patient.
- If the bones are fragmented or out of place, your doctor can usually reset the fracture to the proper position. This procedure is called “reducing” a wrist fracture.
Goal
- Proper alignment of the bone and ensure healing
Who qualifies?
- Non-fragmented, stable fractures
- Joint is not involved
Recovery
- Light activities can begin 1-2 months after cast removal or surgery
- Vigorous activities can begin 3-6 months after cast removal or surgery
- Average recovery takes about a year, although minor stiffness could be present up to 2 years.
- Physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength
Complications
- Stiffness
- Full range of motion is not regained
- Full strength is not regained
Outcomes
- Minor pain and stiffness may be present during the first 2 years.
