The Road To Recovery From A Wrist Fracture In Philadelphia
A wrist fracture is a relatively common injury which can usually be treated with great success. However, if you or a loved one have suffered a wrist fracture in Philadelphia, you may be wondering where to go from here. At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, we want to help take some of the mystery out of this situation by giving you a preview of a typical journey from wrist fracture through recovery.
The Injury
A wrist fracture refers to a break in one of the several bones that make up the wrist. In most cases of a wrist fracture in Philadelphia, it is the radius that will break. Typically, pain will be the most immediate symptom of such an injury, although in some cases the pain may subside for a bit and then return as a deep ache. Additionally, in certain wrist fractures, you may also find that you are unable to maintain a grip with that hand.
Diagnosis
The first step toward treatment of a wrist fracture in Philadelphia is seeking a diagnosis. Not only is the doctor trying to determine if a fracture occurred, but also which bone was affected and how it was broken. A fracture can occur in several ways, include a clear cut break straight across, a break into several pieces, or even an instance of shattering. He or she will also look to see if the bone is fragmented and, if so, if any of the fragments have shifted out of position. The doctor will typically use both a physical examination and X-rays of the area to gather the information necessary to understand your particular fracture.
Treatment
Your wrist fracture treatment will then depend upon what sort of a break you have. In many cases, no surgery is necessary. Instead, the injury can be treated with a splint or a cast. In cases where the bones have fragmented or are unstable, surgery may be deemed necessary for a successful recovery. This surgical procedure may involve the placement of a plate and screws or pins to hold the bones in the correct positions during healing.
Recovery
During the period of recovery that follows the placement of the cast, it is important to follow all of the doctor’s instructions about proper home care. Once the cast is removed, you may experience some stiffness or weakness, but physical therapy can help to restore the normal strength and function of your wrist.
For more information or to make an appointment at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, contact us today at 1.800.321.9999.
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