What are the most common wrist fractures?

Scaphoid fracture. Scaphoid fractures are the most common fractures of the carpus, accounting for 79% of all carpal fractures.

How many types of wrist fractures are there?

There are two types of a distal radius fracture which includes a colles fracture and smiths fracture. A colles fracture, the most common, occurs when falling on an outstretched hand. A Smith’s fracture is caused by the exact opposite of the Colles where extreme flexion causes the fracture to occur.

How is a fractured wrist treated?

According to Dr. Swigart, the range of treatment options for wrist fracture include: Wearing a cast or splint, usually for five to six weeks, followed by physical therapy to gain strength and restore range of motion. Surgery to fix the break, using pins to hold the bone in place.

How serious is a fractured wrist?

A displaced break is more serious, and must be properly realigned, which typically involves surgery of the wrist. The most severe type of break is one in which the bones have shattered, making them unstable. Surgery is required.

Do most wrist fractures require surgery?

In the majority of cases, surgery isn’t necessary for wrist fractures. Your doctor may be able to reset the fracture, put a splint and then a cast on your wrist, and wait for the bones to heal. Regular X-rays will be performed to make sure your wrist is healing as it should.

What does a hairline wrist fracture feel like?

What are the Symptoms of a Hairline Fracture of the Wrist? The quick answer is the symptoms of hairline fractures of the wrist are pain(sharp or achy), swelling, bruising and lack of function of the wrist. Wrist fractures can occur with a fall on an outstretched arm, or a forceful impact such as a car accident.

What type of wrist breaks need surgery?

If your broken wrist is more complicated than just breaking the end of the radius, you’ll likely need surgery to repair it. If the radius was broken higher up on the bone or if you broke both the radius and ulna, it may not heal on its own.

Can you move your wrist if it’s fractured?

When the wrist is broken, there is pain and swelling. It can be hard to move or use the hand and wrist. Some people can still move or use the hand or wrist even if there is a broken bone. Swelling or a bone out of place can make the wrist appear deformed.

How long before a broken wrist stops hurting?

A cast might be needed for six to eight weeks, and sometimes even longer depending on the severity of the break. More severe breaks may take as long as six months to fully heal. Discomfort or pain may continue for months or even years after your injury.

What is the worst type of wrist fracture?

Scaphoid Fractures. The scaphoid is probably the worst bone in the entire arm to break. It has a poor blood supply, it is subjected to high stresses, and it is a very important wrist bone.

What is the healing time for a wrist fracture?

It might take eight weeks or longer for your wrist to heal. More severe breaks may not fully mend for six months. You and your doctor will decide when you are fully recovered. Don’t rush back into your activity too soon. If you start working out before your wrist is healed, you could cause more serious damage.

What are the 5 stages of fracture healing?

The five stages of fracture healing are: 1) Hematoma formation. 2) Fibrocartilage formation. 3) Callus formation. 4) Ossification. 5) Consolidation and remodeling.

What is the treatment for a wrist fracture?

Treatment may include a splint, cast or surgery, depending on the severity and location of the break. Rehabilitation therapy is usually part of the recovery process. Some wrist fractures can interrupt blood flow to a wrist bone, causing part of it to die.