Wrist Fracture In Adults

What is a wrist fracture?

A wrist fracture is a break in one or more bones of the wrist.

What causes a wrist fracture?

A wrist fracture is usually caused by a fall on your outstretched hand. Wrist bones may also be broken when hit directly by a hard object. Medical conditions, such as osteoporosis (brittle bones), may increase your chances of having wrist fractures.

What are the signs and symptoms of a wrist fracture?

You may have pain, swelling, and bruising in the injured wrist. The pain may be worse when you use your hand to hold or squeeze something. Your wrist may feel weak or numb. It may tingle. Your wrist may look bent if the bones are out of place. You may have trouble moving your wrist, hand, or fingers.

How is a wrist fracture diagnosed?

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. 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 amount of dye through an IV, and pictures of your bones are taken. Caregivers can look at the pictures for broken bones, infections, and other problems.

How is a wrist fracture treated?

Treatment will depend on which wrist bone or bones were damaged, and the kind of fracture you have. Treatment may prevent complications and help you return to your normal activities. You may need the following:

• Cast or splint: A cast or splint will keep your wrist from moving to allow it to heal. They may also help decrease pain and prevent further damage to your broken bones.
  
  
• Medicine: Medicines may be given to ease your pain. You may need antibiotic (germ-killing) medicine or a tetanus shot if there is a break in the skin.
  
  
• Ice: Ice packs may be put on your fractured wrist to decrease swelling, pain, and redness.
  
  
• Surgery: You may need surgery to help put displaced bones back to their normal position.

When should I call my caregiver?

Call your caregiver if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• There is a bad smell coming from under your cast or splint.
  
  
• You have more pain or swelling than before the cast or splint was put on.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your injury, medicine, or care.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek immediate care or call 911 if:

• You have increased pain or swelling in your wrist area that does not go away.
  
  
• Your cast or splint gets damaged or breaks.
  
  
• Your cast or splint becomes soaked with blood.
  
  
• Your cast feels tighter, and you have more swelling in your fingers.
  
  
• Your fingers on the injured wrist turn blue or white, or they are cold or numb.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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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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