Wrist Fracture and Dislocation Treatment

If you need wrist fracture and dislocation treatment, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What is a Wrist Fracture?

A wrist fracture occurs when one or more of the wrist bones break. Typically, the radius and ulna, the two forearm bones connected to the wrist, are most commonly involved. A fall onto an outstretched hand is the leading cause of wrist fractures, though direct trauma or repetitive stress may also contribute.

Types of Wrist Fractures

Wrist fractures can vary in type, including:

Distal Radius Fracture: This is the most common type, occurring at the end of the radius bone near the wrist joint.
Scaphoid Fracture: This fracture affects the scaphoid, a small bone in the wrist, often caused by falling onto an outstretched hand.
Ulna Fracture: This occurs in the ulna, the bone opposite the radius, often alongside a radius fracture.
Comminuted Fracture: A severe fracture in which the bone breaks into multiple pieces.

What is a Wrist Dislocation?

A wrist dislocation happens when the bones in the wrist lose their normal alignment. High-energy trauma, such as a car accident or fall from a significant height, typically causes dislocations. These injuries are often accompanied by fractures, which can complicate both treatment and recovery.

Symptoms of Wrist Fractures and Dislocations

Wrist fractures and dislocations share several symptoms, including:

Severe pain, particularly when moving or touching the wrist.
Swelling and bruising around the wrist joint.
Deformity: If the wrist is dislocated or the fracture is severe, the wrist may appear misshapen or misaligned.
Limited range of motion, making it difficult to move the wrist.
Numbness or tingling if the injury compresses nerves.

Treatment for Wrist Fractures

Treatment for wrist fractures varies based on the severity and type of the fracture. Common treatments include:

Conservative Treatment (Non-Surgical): For less severe fractures, immobilizing the wrist with a cast or splint can allow the bones to heal naturally. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and adjust the cast as needed.
Surgical Treatment: Severe, displaced, or complex fractures may require surgery. Surgeons realign the bones and stabilize them with plates, screws, or pins to ensure proper healing and restore wrist function.
Rehabilitation: After the cast or surgery, physical therapy helps restore mobility, strength, and flexibility to the wrist. Exercises improve function and reduce stiffness.

Treatment for Wrist Dislocations

Wrist dislocations require immediate medical attention to prevent long-term damage. The treatment process typically follows these steps:

Reduction: If the bones are not aligned properly, the orthopedic surgeon will carefully manipulate the wrist to realign the bones. This is called reduction.
Immobilization: After reduction, immobilizing the wrist with a splint or cast allows the bones and ligaments to heal properly.
Surgery: Complex dislocations with fractures or ligament damage may require surgery. Surgeons use pins, plates, or screws to stabilize the wrist and ensure proper healing.
Rehabilitation: Once healing occurs, rehabilitation therapy restores strength, flexibility, and function to the wrist. Physical therapy promotes recovery and prevents stiffness.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you suspect a wrist fracture or dislocation, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment helps prevent complications like chronic pain, arthritis, or long-term dysfunction. Immediate attention is necessary if you notice:

Severe pain or an inability to move the wrist.
Visible deformity or misalignment of the wrist.
Numbness or tingling in the fingers or hand, which may indicate nerve damage.
Worsening swelling and bruising over time.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

The recovery time for wrist fractures and dislocations depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. With proper care, most people fully recover and regain wrist function. However, some patients may experience stiffness, weakness, or limited range of motion, especially after complex fractures or dislocations.

Rehabilitation is critical to recovery. Physical therapy restores wrist mobility, reduces pain, and improves strength. The recovery duration varies but typically lasts several weeks to months, depending on the injury’s severity and the treatment chosen.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.