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COLUMBIA ORTHOPEDICS SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Wrist Fractures

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How is a Wrist Fracture Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

To confirm whether you have a wrist fracture, your doctor will physically examine your injured hand. For proper diagnosis and course of treatment, your physician will likely order a wrist fracture X-ray of your bones. This will help them determine the location of the break, the number of breaks, and whether the bone has moved or been dislocated.

Other images, including additional CT scans and MRIs, may be recommended and ordered if surgery is needed.

How is a Wrist Fracture Treated?

Treatments

Treatment for a wrist fracture depends upon its severity, the location of the break, and other factors. One type of treatment is a reduction procedure, where the bone is manipulated to put the pieces back into their proper position. The wrist is then placed into a cast or splint to allow it to heal. 

Other treatment approaches may include: 

Medication

Your doctor may recommend an OTC or a prescription medication to help manage pain or discomfort caused by your broken wrist. If you have an open break or puncture wound to the skin, your physician may provide an antibiotic to prevent infection. 

Therapy

For non-operative wrist fractures, a removable cast or splint may be worn for around four to six weeks to stabilize the wrist while it heals. After the cast or splint is removed, the hand may feel stiff or hard to move. Hand exercises may help to increase the range of motion and functional use again. 

For those requiring surgery and longer recovery times, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength and full use of your wrist and hand. 

Surgery

For more complex wrist fractures or open breaks, surgery may be necessary. A surgeon will make an incision to realign the bones and may use special implants, including pins, wires, screws, and plates to reposition the bones. These may be removed once the bone has healed, but they are left in place in most cases.

A temporary internal fixator—a metal rod used to hold the bones together as they heal—may be placed in the wrist and surgically removed once healed. It could take up to a year for the wrist to fully heal after surgery.

FAQs

FAQs

For a broken wrist, recovery time depends upon the type of break, your age, and other individual factors. On average, it takes about six to eight weeks for most fractures to heal as the bone and cartilage regenerate in the area. Some injuries take longer to heal. After a wrist fracture, your fingers may feel stiff or weak until you have fully recovered and regained your strength.

In general, older adults may take longer to recover, while young children may be quicker to heal as their bones regrow faster.

You may experience a range of broken wrist symptoms after your injury. Some of the main signs and symptoms include: 

  • Pain or numbness in the hand and fingers
  • Wrist is deformed or misshaped
  • Loss of functional use or limited range of motion of the hand and fingers
  • Fingertips are discolored and no longer look pink
  • Swelling and discomfort after injury
  • Bone protrudes under the skin or breaks through the skin 

It’s important to have a doctor evaluate your symptoms early so you can get timely and complete treatment. If left untreated, a broken wrist can worsen and lead to nerve damage, bone infection, and other complications.

Pain from a broken wrist is consistent and does not improve. It may hurt to use the affected hand when you bend your wrist or grip or pinch something with your fingers. It may feel tender and bruised, and you may experience numbness, tingling, or trouble moving your fingers. Swelling may cause increased discomfort and pain.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Wrist Fracture Treatment

The symptoms and causes of a wrist fracture vary, and some broken bones require immediate treatment. NewYork-Presbyterian provides comprehensive wrist fracture care using the latest diagnostic and treatment approaches. Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations today.