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A broken wrist is when one or more of the bones in your wrist fracture or crack. This type of injury often happens when someone falls and attempts to break their fall by using their hand to cushion the impact, causing a forceful blow to the wrist.
Participating in activities like in-line skating or snowboarding, or having a medical condition like osteoporosis that causes bones to become weaker and more fragile, can increase the chances of wrist fractures. However, even individuals with healthy bones may experience a broken wrist if subjected to a powerful enough impact or trauma.
A broken wrist needs to be treated as quickly as possible. Otherwise, it’s possible that the bones will not heal properly, which could make it difficult for you to perform daily tasks like writing or buttoning a shirt. Early intervention will also lessen discomfort and stiffness.
Symptoms
Several symptoms and indicators could be brought on by a broken wrist:
- Swollen, tender or bruised wrist.
- Excruciating pain that could get worse if you squeeze, hold, or move your hand or wrist.
- A visible bending of the wrist that looks defective.
In case you suspect a broken wrist, it is imperative to seek medical attention without any delay, especially if you experience symptoms such as numbness, swelling, or difficulty moving your fingers. Delaying the diagnosis and treatment of a broken wrist can result in inadequate healing, reduced range of motion, and weaker grip strength.
Causes
A broken wrist can be caused by:
- Fall. One of the most frequent causes of a broken wrist is falling onto an outstretched hand.
- Injury from playing sports. Sports involving contact or in which you could fall onto an outstretched hand, like in-line skating or snowboarding, frequently result in wrist fractures.
- Vehicular accident. Sports involving contact or in which you could fall onto an outstretched hand, like in-line skating or snowboarding, frequently result in wrist fractures.
Risk factors
Individuals with osteoporosis may have an increased risk of wrist fracture, particularly if they engage in certain activities that pose a risk of falls or impacts. These activities may include contact sports like hockey, rugby, football, or soccer, as well as horseback riding, trampoline jumping, skiing, snowboarding, or in-line skating.
Diagnosis
A broken wrist is typically diagnosed via X-rays and a physical examination of the affected hand.
Other imaging tests can provide your doctor with more detailed information at times. These tests may include:
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan. CT scans have the ability to detect wrist fractures that may not be visible on X-rays. Furthermore, CT scans can reveal damages to soft tissues and blood vessels. By capturing X-rays from multiple angles, CT scans generate cross-sectional images of the internal structures of your body. This advanced technology provides a detailed view of the affected area, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRIs utilize radio waves and a strong magnetic field to generate precise images of both bone and soft tissue structures, making them significantly more effective than X-rays in detecting even the tiniest fractures and ligament damage.
Treatment
When the ends of a broken bone are not properly aligned, gaps or overlapping fragments can occur. In such cases, a medical professional will perform a manipulation procedure known as a reduction to realign the bone fragments. Depending on the level of discomfort and swelling experienced by the patient, a local or general anesthetic may be required prior to the reduction.
During the healing process of a fracture, it is crucial to regularly exercise your fingers to prevent them from becoming stiff. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor to determine the most effective techniques for exercising your fingers. Additionally, if you are a smoker, it is advisable to quit smoking as it can hinder or even obstruct bone healing.
Immobilization
To ensure proper healing of a broken wrist bone, it is essential to limit its movement. This is typically achieved through the use of a cast or a splint. Additionally, you will be instructed to keep your hand elevated above heart level as often as feasible, as this can alleviate swelling and discomfort.
Medications
If you are experiencing discomfort, your doctor may suggest taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. However, if the pain is severe, an opioid medication like codeine may be necessary.
While NSAIDs can help alleviate pain, they may also interfere with bone healing, particularly when taken over an extended period. Therefore, it’s recommended to seek your doctor’s advice before using them for pain relief.
If you have an open fracture, which involves a break in the skin near the site of the injury, you will likely be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection that could potentially spread to the bone.
Therapy
After the cast or splint is removed, you may require rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy to mitigate stiffness and recover wrist mobility. While rehabilitation can be effective, it can take several months or even longer for the wrist to fully heal.
Surgery and other procedures
It is possible that in order to facilitate the healing process, you may require a surgical procedure to implant pins, plates, rods or screws that can hold your bones in place. A bone graft may also be utilized to aid in the healing process. This course of action may be necessary if any of the following apply to your situation:
- You have an open fracture.
- The bone fragments have moved out of position before beginning to heal
- There are loose bone fragments that could potentially enter a joint
- There is damage to the surrounding ligaments, nerves or blood vessels
- The fracture extends into a joint
Even if your bones have been set in a cast or splint, there is still a possibility that they could shift. Your doctor will monitor your progress using X-rays and if necessary, surgery may be required if the bones move.
In certain situations, the surgeon may use an external fixation device to immobilize the fracture. This device is comprised of a metal frame that is affixed to the bone with two or more pins that pass through your skin and into the bone on both sides of the fracture.
