Wrist Fracture
It is always worthwhile seeing a doctor if you have hurt your wrist. It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between a soft tissue injury which doesn’t need treatment and a ligament injury or fracture which does. A focussed clinical examination, X ray and occasionally other scans (CT, MRI) are used to help the diagnosis. Left untreated, some injuries can lead to problems later on.
Does a wrist fracture always need an operation?
No, most can be managed without an operation. If the bones are in the correct position, a plaster cast or splint is used to support the break and provide pain relief whilst the injury heals. If the bones are in the wrong position, particularly if the fracture involves the joint surfaces of the wrist, then surgery may be required.
How long does it take to recover?
This depends on the type of wrist injury. Generally, a fracture needs a period of immobilisation in a plaster or splint, commonly for 4-6 weeks. Some injuries can be gently mobilised and exercised during this period. If a wrist fracture needs surgery, plates and screws are commonly used to hold the fracture in a good position to allow it to heal. This can allow earlier range of motion.
After a period in a splint or plaster, the wrist will often be stiff. This generally gets better over the next 6 weeks.
Due to the time taken for the bone to heal and rehabilitation after that, a 3 month period of recovery is not unrealistic.
Will I need physiotherapy
Yes, physiotherapy is important after a wrist fracture or ligament injury. It helps restore range of motion and strength after an injury.
Can it heal in the wrong position?
Yes, this can happen, particularly if not diagnosed and treated in the appropriate way in the first instance. Occasionally fractures can displace (lose position). For this reason, patients with a wrist fracture are monitored at various intervals with xrays to check the position whilst healing. If a fracture is diagnosed late or displaces, there are options for delayed treatment.
