Wrist Fracture In Adults

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A wrist fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break in one or more of the eight bones in the wrist area. The wrist bones connect your forearm to your hand and fingers. The wrist is usually broken by a fall on the outstretched hand in an attempt to stop the fall. Common signs and symptoms of a broken wrist fracture include pain, swelling, and bruising in the injured wrist. Your wrist may look deformed and you may have trouble moving your wrist, hand, or fingers. An x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) scan, may be used for diagnosis. Your broken wrist may need a splint, cast, or even surgery as treatment. With treatment, such as a cast and surgery, complications may be prevented and you may resume your normal activities.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Treatment for a wrist injury may cause unpleasant side effects. Medicines may cause you to have nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or stomach ulcers (sores). You may bleed or get an infection if you have surgery or an open wound. If left untreated, the bones may not go back to how they were before. It may also cause blood supply problems to the wrist and hand. You may have problems in your hand movement or decreased grip strength. Diagnosing and treating a wrist fracture as soon as possible is very important. Call your caregiver if you have concerns about your fracture, medicines, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent: You have the right to understand your health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your condition. Your doctor should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to you. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.

Medicines: Your caregiver may give you the following kinds of medicines:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
  
  
• Medicines for pain, swelling, or fever: You may be given medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever while you are in the hospital. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when used by people with certain medical conditions. Tell caregivers if you have liver or kidney disease, a history of bleeding in your stomach, or any other medical problems. Also tell your caregiver about any allergies you have to medicines. Tell your caregiver about all other medicines, herbs, and supplements that you have taken lately.
  
  
• Tetanus shot: This is medicine to keep you from getting tetanus if the fracture also has an open wound. It is given as a shot. You should have a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the past 5 to 10 years. Your arm can get red, swollen, and sore after getting this shot.

Tests: You may have one or more of the following:

• X-rays: You may need x-rays of your wrist, hand, and forearm to check for broken bones or other problems. X-rays of both your injured and uninjured wrists may be taken.
  
  
• Computerized tomography scan: This is also called a CT or CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your wrist. You may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye is usually given in your IV. The dye may help your caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This is also called an MRI. An MRI uses magnetic waves to take pictures of the forearm, wrist, and hand area.
  
  
• Bone scan: This is a test to look at your bones. You are given a small, safe amount of radioactive dye in an IV. Pictures are then taken of your bones. Caregivers can look at the pictures for broken bones, infections, or cancer in the bones.

Treatment options:

• Ice: A caregiver may use ice on your wrist to decrease swelling, pain, and redness. Put crushed ice in a plastic bag and wrap it with a towel. Place the ice bag on the area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as long as you need it. If ice is put on the injured area for too long or if it is slept on, it may cause frostbite.
  
  
• Cast or splint: Your wrist may need to stay in a cast or splint for a period of time to allow it to heal.
  
  
• Surgery: Surgery may be needed, such as with a displaced wrist fracture, to return the bones to their normal position. A metal plate with screws may be used to help hold the bones in place. A bone graft may be done to increase the chances of the fracture healing. Further problems, such as an injury to a nerve or blood vessel, may also be treated with surgery.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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