Wrist Fractures Fixation in Houston, TX

Q: What is a wrist fracture and where does it usually occur?

A wrist fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the wrist joint, including the eight small wrist bones and the adjacent ends of the two forearm bones. The most common fracture sites are the radius, the larger forearm bone, and the scaphoid, one of the small wrist bones.

Q: What causes wrist fractures and what are the symptoms?

Wrist fractures are commonly caused by falls onto an outstretched hand, motor vehicle accidents, or direct blows to the wrist. Symptoms may include sudden severe pain, swelling, deformity, limited wrist movement, and numbness or altered sensation in the fingers.

Q: Does a wrist fracture always require surgery?

No. Many wrist fractures can be treated without surgery if the broken bone ends remain properly aligned. Treatment may include a cast or splint, ice, and pain medication. Surgery is generally recommended when the fracture is significantly displaced or unstable.

Q: How long does recovery from a wrist fracture take?

Recovery from a wrist fracture varies depending on the injury and the individual, but bone healing typically takes several weeks, while full functional recovery may take a few months. Physical and occupational therapy can help restore wrist strength, flexibility, and range of motion, and most patients achieve a good recovery with appropriate treatment.

What are Wrist Fractures?

Wrist fractures are breaks in any of the bones that form your wrist joint.

Anatomy of the Wrist

Your wrist is made up of 8 small bones present in your hand and the adjacent ends of the 2 long bones of the forearm. The most common sites of fracture in the wrist are at the radius (the large forearm bone) and the scaphoid (one of the small hand bones).

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Causes of Wrist Fractures

Wrist fractures may be caused by:

Falling on an outstretched arm
Motor vehicular accidents
A direct blow to the wrist

Symptoms of Wrist Fractures

Symptoms of wrist fractures may include:

Sudden, severe wrist pain
Swelling and deformity of the wrist
Loss of wrist motion
Numbness or altered sensation in the fingers

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Diagnosis of Wrist Fractures

A diagnosis of a wrist fracture is based on:

Signs and symptoms at the site of injury
Physical examination of the wrist
Imaging studies such as X-rays

Wrist Fracture Fixation

Wrist fracture fixation may be performed by surgical or non-surgical methods depending on the severity of the fracture:

Nonsurgical Wrist Fracture Fixation

Immediate treatment for a wrist fracture will include splinting, icing the area, and pain medication to relieve symptoms. If the fractured ends of the bone are not displaced, external fixation by application of a cast or splint may be enough to treat the wrist fracture.

Surgical Wrist Fracture Fixation

When the fractured ends are significantly displaced, surgery is necessary for wrist fracture fixation. Surgical treatment options include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) which involves the use of pins, plates, and screws to properly align the fractured ends and stabilize the fracture from the inside. Another option is open reduction and external fixation, which involves stabilizing the fracture from the outside by means of a metal frame, which is attached to surgical pins that pass through the skin to the fractured ends of the bone.

Recovery after Wrist Fracture Fixation

Recovery time varies from person to person, but it usually takes several weeks for healing and a few months for complete functional recovery. Working with physical therapy and occupational therapy is very important to maximize strength and range of motion of your wrist.

Prognosis of Wrist Fracture Fixation

The prognosis is generally good with most people regaining good function of their wrists following treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wrist fracture and where does it usually occur?

A wrist fracture is a break in any of the bones that form the wrist joint, which includes 8 small hand bones and the adjacent ends of the two forearm bones. The most common fracture sites are the radius (the large forearm bone) and the scaphoid (one of the small hand bones).

What causes wrist fractures and what are the symptoms?

Wrist fractures are usually caused by falling on an outstretched arm, motor vehicle accidents, or a direct blow to the wrist. Symptoms include sudden severe pain, swelling and deformity, loss of wrist motion, and numbness or altered sensation in the fingers.

Does a wrist fracture always require surgery?

No. If the fractured bone ends are not displaced, non-surgical fixation with a cast or splint—along with icing and pain medication—may be enough. Surgery is needed when the fractured ends are significantly displaced.

What surgical options are used for wrist fracture fixation?

Surgical options include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), which uses pins, plates, and screws to align and stabilize the fracture from the inside, and open reduction with external fixation, which stabilizes the fracture from the outside using a metal frame attached to surgical pins. Dr. Luo selects the approach based on the severity of the fracture.

How long does recovery from a wrist fracture take?

Recovery varies from person to person, but healing usually takes several weeks, with full functional recovery taking a few months. Physical and occupational therapy are important to maximize wrist strength and range of motion, and the prognosis is generally good.

Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist

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