Wrist Fracture

Wrist fractures are one of the most common fracture types. It can be observed in any age group from children to adults all the way up to the elderly although wrist fractures are more common with early and old ages. This distribution of incidence rate is due to hyperactivity in children; and osteoporosis related abrasion and tendency to be affected by slightest traumas in the elderly. A bone which suffers a trauma yet does not fracture during the twenties or thirties may well fracture during the fifties as a result of the same trauma. Wrist fractures are usually caused by falling on an extended arm. Falling from heights, impacts to the hand, and road accidents can be listed among common causes of wrist fractures.

The wrist is made up of 8 small bones and 2 bones in the forearm. These bones are attached to one another with strong ligaments and enable the wrist to move in every direction with ease. The most common wrist fracture is the fracture of the radius.

Symptoms of Wrist Fracture – How to Identify a Broken Wrist:

• Sudden and severe pain in the wrist
• Swelling
• Deformation
• Bruising
• Sensitivity

Diagnosis

Physicians test sensitivity and motion of the wrist to the extent pain allows examination. Still, fractures are located by radiological examination and, if needed, 3D computerized tomography (CT). If the fracture has penetrated the skin and extended outwards, risk of infection becomes evident and it may be necessary to administer antibiotic treatment and hospitalize the patient.

Treatment of Wrist Fracture

The first thing to do in the event of a wrist fracture is to lay the wrist on a flat and fixed surface such as cardboard or wooden board and to prevent it from moving. Treatment method is decided in accordance with the type of fracture. Also, information like age, level of activity, and handedness are taken into account. Sometimes fractures may not be dislocated. In some cases, bone tips may have deviated from one another while some others can be segmental or fully dislocated. Surgeons decide on the most suitable action plan by evaluating radiological findings to see whether fracture reaches inside the joint or is segmental, dislocated, or stable. For stable fractures putting the wrist in plaster cast will suffice. However, dislocated fractures need to be set back in place first. After relocating the bone, the wrist needs to be put in plaster cast and then followed to observe union. Segmental hand fractures require surgical treatment just as unstable fractures extending into the joint.

Recovery Time

Recovery period after wrist fracture depends on patient’s age. In children, fractures treated with plaster cast heals within 4-6 weeks. Bone union takes longer in the elderly. Older patients may require surgical intervention and, for this reason, it can take 3-6 months for the elderly patients to fully recover. Also, type of fracture is as important as age in the healing process.