Wrist Fracture In Children

What is a wrist fracture?

A wrist fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in your child's wrist.

What causes a wrist fracture?

A wrist fracture is usually caused by a fall on an outstretched hand. Your child's wrist may also be broken while he plays sports. Wrist bones may also be broken when hit by a hard object.

What are the signs and symptoms of a wrist fracture?

Your child may have pain, swelling, and bruising in the injured wrist. The pain may be worse when he uses the hand to hold or squeeze something. Your child's wrist may feel weak or numb. It may tingle. The wrist may look bent if the bones are out of place. Your child may have trouble moving his wrist, hand, or fingers.

How is a wrist fracture diagnosed?

Your child may have one or more of the following:

• X-rays: Your child may need x-rays of his wrist, hand, and forearm to check for broken bones or other problems. X-rays of both your child's injured and uninjured wrists may be taken.
  
  
• Computerized tomography scan: This test is also called a CT or CAT scan. This is a type of x-ray that uses a computer to take pictures of your child's forearm, wrist, and hand. Your child may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help caregivers see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your child's caregiver if your child is allergic to shellfish or has other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This test is also called an MRI. The test uses magnetic waves to take pictures of your child's forearm, wrist, and hand.
  
  
• Bone scan: During this test, pictures are taken of your child's bones. Your child is given a small, safe amount of radioactive dye in an IV. Caregivers can look at the pictures for broken bones, infection, or cancer in the bones.

How is a wrist fracture treated?

Treatment will depend on which wrist bone was broken and the kind of fracture your child has. Treatment may help prevent complications and help your child resume his normal activities. Your child may need the following:

• Cast or splint: A cast or splint will keep your child's wrist from moving to allow it to heal. They may be used to decrease pain and prevent further damage to the broken bones.
  
  
• Medicine: Caregivers may give your child medicine to help ease his pain. Your child may need antibiotic (germ-killing) medicine or a tetanus shot if the bone has broken through his skin.
  
  
• Ice: Ice packs may be put on your child's wrist to decrease swelling, pain, and redness.
  
  
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy may be needed once swelling and pain are gone. A physical therapist may assist your child with special exercises. This may help his wrist recover faster and become stronger.
  
  
• Surgery: A wrist fracture that is severe or does not heal with other treatments may need surgery. Surgery helps return bones to their normal position. Caregivers may also do surgery to place a new bone into spaces between or around the fracture.

When should I call my child's caregiver?

Call your child's caregiver if:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• There is a bad smell coming from under the cast.
  
  
• Your child has more pain or swelling than he did before the cast or splint was put on.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's injury, treatment, or care.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek immediate care or call 911 if:

• Your child has increased pain that is not getting better.
  
  
• Your child's cast breaks or is damaged.
  
  
• Your child's arm or hand feels numb.
  
  
• Your child's skin or fingernails become swollen, cold, or turn white or blue.
  
  
• Your child's splint or cast is too tight.

Care Agreement

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

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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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