Dr BurkeWhat Is a Wrist Fracture?
A wrist fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the wrist break, most commonly due to a fall or direct impact. Two of the most common types of wrist fractures are Colles’ fractures and Smith’s fractures, both of which involve a break in the radius bone, one of the two large bones in the forearm. While a Colles’ fracture typically results from falling onto an outstretched hand, a Smith’s fracture usually happens when falling onto a flexed wrist. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide expert care for wrist fractures, offering personalized treatment plans to ensure proper healing and restore full function.
Wrist fractures occur when one or more of the bones that make up the wrist joint break. The wrist is a complex joint composed of eight small bones (the carpal bones) and two larger bones—the radius and ulna. Fractures in the wrist most commonly occur in the radius bone, especially near the end closest to the hand.
Two primary types of wrist fractures are:
- Colles’ Fracture: A Colles’ fracture is the most common type of wrist fracture, occurring when the radius bone breaks near the wrist and the broken fragment of the bone tilts upward toward the back of the hand. This often happens from falling onto an outstretched hand.
- Smith’s Fracture: A Smith’s fracture is similar to a Colles’ fracture but occurs when the broken fragment of the radius tilts downward toward the palm. This type of fracture is often the result of falling onto a flexed (bent) wrist.
Wrist fractures can range from simple, non-displaced breaks (where the bone remains in place) to more complex, displaced fractures that require surgical intervention to realign the bones.
Causes of Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures typically result from trauma or injury to the wrist, but certain risk factors can make individuals more susceptible to fractures. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Falls: Falling onto an outstretched hand or a flexed wrist is the most common cause of wrist fractures, especially Colles’ fractures. This type of fall is common in sports, accidents, and simple trips or slips.
- Direct Impact or Trauma: A direct blow to the wrist, such as during a car accident, sports injury, or a workplace accident, can cause the bones in the wrist to break.
- Osteoporosis: Individuals with osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to fractures, are at a higher risk of sustaining wrist fractures, especially from minor falls.
- High-Impact Sports: Sports like skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and football, which involve high-speed falls or collisions, increase the risk of wrist fractures.
- Repetitive Stress: In some cases, repetitive stress on the wrist from overuse or manual labor can weaken the bones over time, making them more susceptible to fractures.
Symptoms of Wrist Fractures
The symptoms of a wrist fracture are usually immediate and can vary depending on the severity of the break. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Severe Pain: Sudden, intense pain in the wrist is one of the first symptoms of a wrist fracture. The pain is often worse with movement or pressure on the affected area.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising around the wrist are common symptoms, especially if the fracture is severe or involves multiple bones.
- Deformity: In cases of displaced fractures, such as Colles’ or Smith’s fractures, the wrist may appear deformed, with an obvious misalignment or abnormal angle.
- Tenderness: The wrist may be tender to the touch, and even light pressure on the affected area can cause significant pain.
- Difficulty Moving the Wrist or Hand: Moving the wrist or fingers may be difficult or impossible due to pain and the instability of the fracture.
- Numbness or Tingling: In some cases, a wrist fracture may compress nearby nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers.
Diagnosis of Wrist Fractures
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing a wrist fracture involves a detailed physical examination and imaging tests to confirm the type and extent of the fracture.
1. Physical Examination: The doctor will assess the wrist for signs of swelling, deformity, and tenderness. They will also ask about the circumstances of the injury and check for any nerve damage, such as numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers.
2. Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: X-rays are the primary imaging tool used to diagnose wrist fractures. They provide detailed images of the bones and can show the location, type, and severity of the fracture.
- CT Scan or MRI: In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to provide more detailed images of the bones and soft tissues, especially if there are concerns about nerve or ligament damage or if the fracture is complex.
Treatment for Wrist Fractures
Treatment for wrist fractures at Dr. Burke Orthopedics is focused on stabilizing the broken bone, relieving pain, and ensuring proper healing. Both non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available, depending on the type and severity of the fracture.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Immobilization: For non-displaced fractures, the wrist may be immobilized in a cast or splint to keep the bones in place while they heal. The cast is typically worn for 4-6 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Once the cast is removed, physical therapy is often recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the wrist and hand. Therapy may involve exercises to improve grip strength and wrist mobility.
2. Surgical Treatments: Surgery may be required for wrist fractures that are displaced, unstable, or involve multiple bones. Surgical options include:
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision to realign the fractured bones and uses metal plates, screws, or pins to hold the bones in place during healing. ORIF is commonly used for complex wrist fractures, such as Colles’ or Smith’s fractures.
- External Fixation: In some cases, an external fixation device may be used to stabilize the fracture. This involves placing pins or screws in the bones on either side of the fracture and connecting them to a metal frame outside the skin, keeping the bones in place while they heal.
- Bone Grafting: If the fracture involves significant bone loss, a bone graft may be used to help restore the structure of the bone and promote healing.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from a wrist fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and the type of treatment used. For non-surgical cases, most patients can expect to regain full function within a few months, while surgical cases may take longer to heal.
- Non-Surgical Recovery: Patients with non-displaced fractures typically wear a cast or splint for several weeks to allow the bone to heal. After the cast is removed, physical therapy is essential for restoring strength and flexibility in the wrist. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 8-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: For patients who undergo surgery, recovery times vary depending on the procedure. After surgery, the wrist may be immobilized in a cast or splint for several weeks, followed by a physical therapy program to restore function. Full recovery can take several months, but most patients can return to their normal activities with proper rehabilitation.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a full recovery and a return to pain-free movement.
Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Wrist Fractures?
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer expert care for patients with wrist fractures, providing both non-surgical and surgical treatment options based on the severity of the injury. Our team of orthopedic specialists is dedicated to helping patients relieve pain, restore wrist function, and prevent future complications. With advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, we ensure that each patient receives the best possible care for their specific condition. Whether you need a simple cast or advanced surgical intervention, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is here to guide you through your recovery journey.