Fractured Wrist

Dr. Ayush PandeyMBBS,PG Diploma

November 30, 2018

March 06, 2020

Fractured Wrist
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.



References

  1. Obert L et al. High-energy injuries of the wrist.. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2016 Feb;102(1 Suppl):S81-93. PMID: 26782706
  2. Hanel, Jones, Trumble. Wrist fractures.. Orthop Clin North Am. 2002 Jan;33(1):35-57, vii. PMID: 11832312
  3. Better health channel. Department of Health and Human Services [internet]. State government of Victoria; Bone fractures
  4. Hsu H, Nallamothu SV. Wrist Fracture. Wrist Fracture. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-.
  5. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Colles wrist fracture - aftercare

Medicines for Fractured Wrist

Medicines listed below are available for Fractured Wrist. Please note that you should not take any medicines without doctor consultation. Taking any medicine without doctor's consultation can cause serious problems.

Medicine Name

Price

₹375.0

₹375.0

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