Wrist Fracture

The wrist is comprised of two bones in the forearm, the radius and ulna, and eight tiny carpal bones in the palm. The bones meet to form multiple large and small joints. A wrist fracture refers to a break in one or more of these bones.

Types of wrist fracture include:

• Simple wrist fractures in which the fractured pieces of bone are well aligned and stable.
• Unstable fractures are those in which fragments of the broken bone are misaligned and displaced.
• Open (compound) wrist fractures are severe fractures in which the broken bones cut through the skin. This type of fracture is more prone to infection and requires immediate medical attention.

Causes

Wrist fractures may be caused due to a fall on an outstretched arm, vehicular accidents or workplace injuries. Certain sports such as football, snowboarding, or soccer may also be a cause of wrist fractures. Wrist fractures are more common in people with osteoporosis, a condition marked by brittleness of the bones.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of a wrist fracture include severe pain, swelling, and limited movement of the hand and wrist. Other symptoms include:

• Deformed or crooked wrist
• Bruising
• Numbness
• Stiffness

Diagnosis

A preliminary physical examination is performed followed by imaging tests such as an X-ray of the wrist to diagnose a fracture and check alignment of the bones. Sometimes a CT scan may be ordered to gather more detail of the fracture. MRI may be performed to identify tiny fractures and ligament injuries.

A bone scan may be required to identify stress fractures due to repeated trauma. The radioactive substance injected into the blood gets collected in areas where the bone is healing and is detected with a scanner.

Treatment

Professor Bain may prescribe analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and inflammation.

Fractures that are not displaced may be treated with either a splint or a cast to hold the wrist in place.

If the wrist bones are displaced, Professor Bain may perform fracture reduction to align the bones. This is performed under an anaesthesia. A splint or a cast is then placed to support the wrist and allow healing.

Surgery

Surgery is recommended to treat severely displaced wrist fractures and is carried out under an anaesthesia.

External fixation, such as pins may be used to treat the fracture from the outside. These pins are fixed above and below the fracture site and are held in place by an external frame outside the wrist.

Internal fixation may be recommended to maintain the bones in proper position while they heal. Devices such as rods, plates and screws may be implanted at the fracture site.

Crushed or missing bone may be treated by using bone grafts taken from another part of your body, bone bank or using a bone graft substitute.

During the healing period, you may be asked to perform some motion exercises to keep your wrist flexible. Professor Bain may recommend hand therapy or physiotherapy to improve function, strength and reduce stiffness.

Risks and Complications

As with any procedure, wrist fracture surgery involves certain risks and complications. They include:

• Infection
• Nerve impingement
• Residual joint stiffness
• Tendon or ligament injury
• Arthritis

If you have pain, swelling or numbness of your wrist or hand after surgery you should contact your doctor.