Fractured Wrist

What is a fractured wrist?

The wrist is made up of 8 small bones that connect with 2 long bones of the forearm to form your joint. A break in any of these bones results in a fractured wrist. A fracture can be painful, depending on its extent and the cause of the injury.

What are its main signs and symptoms?

• The signs of a fractured wrist are similar to the conventional signs of a fracture.
• You will have pain, which worsens if you try to move the wrist even slightly.
• The pain may also be accompanied by a swelling of the area and bruising.
• If the fracture causes exposure of the underlying tissues, there is a possibility of an infection.
• The wrist or even the thumb appears deformed in some cases when a bone breaks.
• In addition to pain, a person will develop an uncomfortable tingling sensation or numbness in the hand.
• If the bone moves out of its place, it is called a displaced fracture.

What are the main causes?

• A wrist fracture is often the result of a fall. When a person falls in a manner where there is trauma is to the wrist or the body’s weight is exerted onto it, the bones are likely to fracture.
• Being hit on the wrist with a heavy object or having something heavy fall on the wrist can also cause a fracture.
• Certain movements in sports can also cause wrist bones to break.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

• A physical examination will reveal swelling and bruising. The doctor will obtain an x-ray of the wrist.

If it is suspected that the bone has fractured into several fragments, a CT scan or MRI is required. The treatment for fracture depends on the bones involved, the severity and whether it is a displaced or a non-displaced fracture.

• The physician will give some painkillers to reduce the pain and antibiotics if there is an infection.
• A splint or a cast holds the bones in place and stabilises them. This is effective for non-displaced fractures.
• Sometimes, plates and screws are needed to fix bones in the original place. This is a surgical method to treat displaced fractures.
• Wrist exercises and physiotherapy, as advised by the doctor, can also help.
• Most fractures heal without major complications in about 8 weeks. However, complete recovery can take up to a few months.

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