Wrist Fracture In Adults

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is a wrist fracture? A wrist fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break in one or more bones of the wrist. The wrist consists of eight small bones that are formed in two rows and the two forearm bones. Four bones lie at the end of the forearm. The forearm is the lower part of your arm, extending from your elbow to your wrist. The other four bones lie just before the bones of the hand. The wrist bones connect your forearm to your hand.

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. This may occur during a fight, sports activity, or in accidents. Medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, 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 using your hand to hold or squeeze something. Your wrist may feel weak, numb, or tingly. Your wrist may look deformed or 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 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.

How is a wrist fracture treated? Treatment will depend on which wrist bone or bones were damaged and the kind of fracture you have. A comminuted fracture is when the bone is broken into several parts. A complicated fracture is when the bone is broken and an artery, joint, or nerves are injured. Displaced fractures are when the bones are not lined up in their normal positions. Open fractures are when the skin has an open wound.

• Immobilization: Immobilization (keeping your wrist from moving) is an important treatment to allow the wrist to heal.
  
  
• Medicine: Medicines may be given to ease your pain. You may need antibiotic medicine or a tetanus shot if there is a break in the skin.
  
  
• Splint or cast: A splint or cast may be used to minimize pain and prevent the broken bones from further damage.
  
  
• Supportive therapy: Ice packs may be put on your fractured wrist to decrease swelling, pain, and redness.
  
  
• Surgery: Surgery may be needed, such as when bones are displaced, to return the bones back to their normal position.

Where can I find support or more information? Having a wrist fracture may make it hard for you to continue your usual activities. It may make things difficult for both you and your family. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  PO Box 11210
  Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
  Phone: 1-913-906-6000
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  6300 North River Road
  Rosemont, IL 600184262
  Phone: 1-847-8237186
  Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
  

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.

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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