What is wrist fracture treatment?
Wrist fracture treatment involves both the non-surgical and surgical care of broken bones in the wrist.
Fractures in the wrist commonly occur on the distal radius, the larger of the 2 bones that make up the forearm. Breaks usually occur at the end of the radius bone, near the wrist. Fractures can also occur on the small (carpal) bones in the wrist joint.
You are more likely to sustain a wrist fracture if you:
- Are older, with lower bone density and weaker bones. Most patients with distal radius fractures are in their 50s and 60s.
- Are active or engage in sports activities, like in-line skating or playing contact sports.
- Had an accident or fall, and landed on an outstretched or flexed hand.
Types of wrist fractures
Wrist fractures can be categorised as follows:
- Displaced, where the broken bone needs to be put back into the right place.
- Non-displaced, where the broken bone does not move out of place.
- Stable, where the bone pieces do not move or shift when put back into the right position.
- Unstable, where the bone pieces move or shift even if put back into the right position.
Why do you need wrist fracture treatment?
You need to see a doctor immediately if you think your wrist might be broken. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to:
- Poor healing
- Reduced range of motion
- Reduced grip strength
What are the risks and complications of wrist fracture treatment?
In unstable fractures, the bone pieces may move or shift into a bad position. This may occur even if the bones are put back into position and a cast is placed, resulting in a "crooked" wrist.
Other complications include:
- Long-term stiffness, aches or disability. Some people may suffer permanent stiffness, pain or aches in the affected area even after the cast is removed. Physical rehabilitation or occupational therapy may help to alleviate these symptoms.
- Nerve or blood vessel damage. Adjacent nerves and blood vessels may also be injured in the wrist trauma, resulting in numbness or circulation problems.
- Osteoarthritis. If fractures extend into a joint, it may eventually result in arthritis.
What can you expect in wrist fracture treatment?
To treat your wrist fracture, your doctor will first need to determine the nature of the break through a physical examination and X-rays.
Sometimes, your doctor may require you to do other imaging tests to reveal details that X-rays miss, such as:
Wrist fracture treatment can involve the following:
Non-surgical treatment
This involves the use of a splint or cast for 4 – 6 weeks to immobilise the wrist so that alignment can be maintained until sufficient healing has occurred. This method of treatment does not correct alignment in a fracture that is displaced.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment may be recommended if the wrist bones are severely out of place. A titanium implant with a plate and screws may be placed to hold the bones in place so that the wrist can heal and eventually regain proper function.
Medication
A wrist fracture can be painful. You may also experience tenderness, swelling or bruising. Your doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter pain reliever, or if your pain is severe, an opioid medication like codeine.
In the event of an open fracture, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Care and recovery after wrist fracture treatment
If you have a wrist fracture, your wrist may be fully or partially immobilised for up to 2 – 3 months. Your doctor will likely prescribe a recovery regimen of rehabilitation therapy and mobilisation exercises. This is to prevent muscle wasting and stiffness during your recovery.
