Wrist Fracture In Children

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is a wrist fracture? A wrist fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break in one or more of the bones in your child's wrist. The wrist is formed by the carpal bones and bones at the end of the forearm (radius and ulna). The forearm is the lower part of your child's arm, extending from the elbow to the wrist. The carpal bones are eight small bones arranged into two rows. These bones connect your child's forearm to his hands and they help greatly with hand movements.

What causes a wrist fracture? A fall on an outstretched hand, in an attempt to stop a fall, often causes a wrist fracture. Your child's wrist may also be broken while playing sports. This may happen after repeatedly swinging a racquet, bat, or club over a long period of time. Wrist bones may also be broken when hit directly 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 using the hand to hold or squeeze something. Your child's wrist may feel weak, numb, or tingly. The wrist may look deformed or 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:

• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.

How is a wrist fracture treated? Treatment will depend on which wrist bone was broken and the kind of fracture your child has. Your child may need one or more of the following:

• Devices: Keeping the broken wrist from moving is very important. A splint or cast 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 medicine or a tetanus shot if the bone has broken through his skin.
  
  
• Supportive therapy: Ice packs may be put on your child's wrist to decrease swelling, pain, and redness. 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 by putting them together with wires or screws. Caregivers may also do surgery to place a new bone into spaces between or around the fracture.

Where can I find more information? Having a child with a wrist fracture may be hard for your child and your family. It may make things difficult for both your child and your family to continue your usual activities. 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 child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.

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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