Wrist Fracture Specialist

What causes a wrist fracture?

Your wrist has eight small bones that connect to your ulna and radius, the two bones in your forearm. Any of these 10 bones can sustain a fracture or break as the result of direct trauma, often due to a fall or sports-related injury. You may also be susceptible to wrist fractures if you have a condition like arthritis or osteoporosis that weakens your bones.

A nondisplaced fracture means the fractured bones are still aligned. In a displaced fracture, the affected bones can move out of place and need to be reset to heal correctly.

Depending on the nature of your injury, you may have a mild to moderate fracture that can heal without surgery. If your wrist fracture is severe and your bone breaks into multiple pieces, you may need surgical intervention to regain stability in your wrist.

What are the signs and symptoms of a wrist fracture?

Soon after your injury, you may notice swelling in the wrist area. It may be difficult or painful to move your wrist, hand, or fingers.

In severe fractures, your wrist may appear deformed or the bone may protrude from an open wound in your skin.

How are wrist fractures diagnosed?

Your doctor at New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine examines your wrist and reviews your symptoms. The team will also discuss what you were doing when the injury occurred.

To confirm a fracture or break in any of your wrist bones, the New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine offers on-site diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays to evaluate the inner structures of your wrist. Imaging tests also show the severity of the break or fracture.

What treatments are available for wrist fractures?

Treatment for a wrist fracture depends on the severity of the fracture. If your bones are still in alignment, your doctor may use a splint or cast to stabilize your wrist and allow the bones to heal.

If you have a displaced fracture, you may need surgery to reposition the bones. Your surgeon at New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine can use pins or plates to hold the bones together. You may need to wear a cast for several weeks or months, depending on how quickly your wrist bones heal.

If you suspect you have a wrist fracture, don’t delay an evaluation with the team at New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine. Schedule a consultation online or by phone today.