Wrist Fractures
What are Wrist Fractures?
Wrist fractures are among the most common fractures in the body across all age groups. In younger patients they typically result from high-energy trauma during sport or work; in older patients with reduced bone density, a simple fall onto an outstretched hand can cause a significant fracture. The most frequently fractured bone is the distal radius, the lower end of the forearm bone on the thumb side, followed by the scaphoid, one of the eight small carpal bones in the wrist.
Wrist fractures range from undisplaced, stable injuries managed in a cast to complex, comminuted fractures requiring surgical fixation. Regardless of the treatment method, specialist Hand Therapy is essential for regaining full wrist movement, wrist and hand strength as well as function. Without appropriate rehabilitation, wrist stiffness, weakness with associated long-term disability commonly develop and persist.
What causes Wrist Fractures?
- Fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH): by far the most common mechanism
- Direct impact to the wrist in contact sports, cycling or skateboarding
- High-energy trauma in road traffic accidents and industrial injuries
- Osteoporosis: fragility fractures occurring with minimal force
Signs & symptoms
- Pain, swelling and bruising around the wrist immediately following injury
- Visible deformity of the wrist
- Tenderness at a specific point over the fracture site
- Reduced or absent wrist and forearm movement
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers if associated nerve involvement is present
How Hand Therapy can help
Ms Razo provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for Wrist Fractures. Following a thorough initial assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.
Undisplaced and minimally displaced fractures are managed in a plaster cast or custom, thermoplastic orthosis. Ms Razo monitors fracture healing, provides guidance on cast care and initiates early mobilisation of the fingers and shoulder to prevent stiffness during immobilisation.
Following cast removal, a structured programme of range of movement exercises addresses the stiffness that invariably develops during immobilisation. Early intervention is key before contractures become established.
Wrist fractures fixed with plates, screws or Kirschner wires (K-wires) require specialist post-operative rehabilitation. Ms Razo designs rehabilitation programmes appropriate to the fixation method, initiating early mobilisation where the surgical construct allows and progressing through a staged return to full function.
Progressive strengthening is introduced once the fracture is sufficiently healed. Reconditioning programmes rebuild the muscle strength and endurance required for daily activities, work as well as sport. Occupational rehabilitation and return-to-work planning are incorporated, where relevant.
Frequently asked questions
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Most wrist fractures achieve bony union in 8-10 weeks, but every case is unique. For many bone healing does not mean you have achieved a full recvoery. Rehabilitation continues well beyond bony union: full restoration function typically takes 3–6 months, and longer for complex or surgical cases.
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The majority of patients with wrist fractures return to full or near-full function with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Some residual stiffness or mild weakness is not uncommon in complex fractures, particularly in older patients. The risk of post-traumatic arthritis increases with fracture severity. Specialist rehabilitation optimises outcomes and may reduce long-term complications.
Ready to take
the first step?
Book a consultation with Ms Razo and receive a thorough assessment, precise diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.