Broken Wrist

Broken Wrist Diagnosis: Symptoms and Tests

• Physical Examination for Broken Wrist

  • Your doctor will examine your hand and wrist for tenderness, swelling, deformity, or open wounds.

  • Assessing range of motion helps determine the severity of a wrist fracture.

• X-ray Imaging

  • Standard X-rays locate the fracture and evaluate bone alignment.

• Advanced Imaging for Wrist Fractures

  • CT Scan: Detects wrist fractures missed by X-rays and evaluates soft tissue or blood vessel damage.

  • MRI: Highly sensitive for small bone fractures and ligament injuries, providing detailed images of wrist tissues.

Broken Wrist Treatment and Recovery

Reduction (Realigning the Bones)

• Misaligned bone fragments require a reduction procedure to restore proper alignment.

• May involve local or general anesthesia depending on pain and swelling.

• Regular finger movement is essential to prevent stiffness during healing.

Immobilization for Wrist Fractures

• Restricting movement is crucial for wrist fracture healing. This often includes:

  • Cast or splint to stabilize the bones

  • Hand elevation to reduce swelling and pain

Medications for Wrist Fracture Pain

• Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs.

• Prescription opioids for severe pain if necessary.

• NSAIDs should be used carefully, as they may slow bone healing.

• Antibiotics for open fractures to prevent infection.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

• After cast or splint removal, wrist exercises or physical therapy restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

• Complete recovery may take several months, depending on fracture severity.

Surgery for Wrist Fractures

• Internal fixation: Pins, plates, rods, or screws may be used to hold bones in place.

• Bone grafts can be applied to assist healing.

• Surgery may be necessary for:

  • Open or displaced fractures

  • Loose bone fragments near a joint

  • Damage to surrounding ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels

  • Fractures extending into the joint

• External fixation: Metal frame with pins through the skin and into the bone for complex fractures.

• Ongoing X-ray monitoring ensures bones remain properly aligned; surgery may be required if bones shift.

Broken Wrist Recovery Timeline

• Minor wrist fractures may heal in 6–8 weeks, while severe or surgical fractures can take 3–6 months.

• Early rehabilitation exercises improve recovery speed and reduce stiffness.

• Avoid smoking and follow your doctor’s advice for optimal bone healing.