The wrist is formed by eight small carpel bones that are connected to the largest bones of the upper limb (the radial bone and the ulna bone in your forearm). A wrist fracture involves the break of one or more of these eight bones.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF A WRIST FRACTURE
The most common and immediate symptoms are:
- Severe pain,
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Deformity and dysfunction in the movements of your wrist.
COMMON CAUSES OF WRIST FRACTURES
- Direct trauma is the most common cause of wrist fractures, after falling into an outstretched hand position.
- Osteoporosis is another cause most frequently seen in elderly women.
TREATMENT FOR WRIST FRACTURES
After confirming the diagnosis through our advanced imaging resources, like X-Rays and CT scan, the repair of the fracture should be done as soon as possible.
In most cases, using a cast for approximately six weeks is enough to repair the bone structure. Our doctors will put the bones into the right position, a procedure called reduction. In which you will need local or general anesthesia before the procedure.
For some cases, surgery might be required. In which our specialists will reposition the fracture by using orthopaedics plates and screws or using a bone graft.
RECOVERY PERIOD, WHAT TO EXPECT
You should keep your hand above heart level, in order to reduce stiffness and swelling of your fingers whenever possible.
You may be recommended over the counter pain relief, or if the pain is more severe, then an opiod such as codeine. For open fractures where the skin is broken you will most likely be given antibiotics.
Even though the entire healing process will take several months to complete, after your cast is removed, a hand physical therapist will help you to start rehabilitation exercises. This way, the recovery of your wrist movement, strength and functionality is faster.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – WRIST FRACTURE SURGERY
- WILL I NEED SURGERY JUST BY GETTING A WRIST FRACTURE?
No, the necessity of a surgical procedure depends on the type of fracture, whether it’s or not displaced or exposed.
- WHAT TYPE OF COMPLICATIONS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FRACTURE?
Stiffness, disability, osteoarthritis, and nerve or blood vessel damage. However, complications are rare when having proper treatment.
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