Wrist fractures

Wrist fractures can be a serious injury that requires prompt medical care to prevent additional damage and ensure proper healing. While most wrist injuries are sprains, fractures can also occur.
In this article, we’ll discuss what wrist fractures are and the most common types of wrist fractures in adults. You can read about the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of each type of wrist fracture as well as possible therapies that may help relieve pain and accelerate recovery.
What is a wrist fracture?
A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures can be caused by a fall, accident, or even sporting activities. The bones of the wrist are also prone to fractures because they are so thin and brittle.

The most common type of wrist fracture is known as an “open” fracture, which occurs when there is no break in the skin or soft tissues that would otherwise prevent bleeding into the space where the bone has broken. Other types of fractures include “closed” injuries with breaks in skin, soft tissue, and/or blood vessels (ruptured bleeding ulcers).
If you think you’re experiencing a wrist fracture, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Without appropriate treatment, your condition could worsen and lead to permanent disability or death.

Broken Shaft
A broken shaft is a fracture of the wrist when the radial styloid process, which is a small part of the ulna, breaks off from the main structure. This type of fracture commonly occurs in children. The radial styloid process may break and cause pain on one side of the wrist and hand.
The treatment for this type of injury includes splinting, surgery, or casting. In some cases, there may be no treatment needed. The prognosis for this type of fracture is not great as healing takes a long time without surgery or casts and complications can occur later on.

Chip Fracture
A chip fracture, also known as a sprain or avulsion fracture of the wrist, is a type of break in the wrist that can occur when a person falls on an outstretched hand. The bone may bend and rest against the ulnar (inner) side of the radius (outer) bone. This injury is located at the point where the radius meets the ulna.
Treatment includes observation, immobilization, and splinting to prevent further damage while waiting for healing to take place. Care will also be taken to avoid any further trauma or injury that could cause additional complications.
The prognosis for this type of fracture depends on how severe it is as well as its location in relation to other bones. If it’s not treated in time, there could be permanent scar tissue formation around the area.

Broken Overlying Skin and Bone Marrowfat
This type of fracture is most often seen in people who fall on the wrist and twist their hand. The skin becomes stretched and tears, causing a separation between the broken bone and the skin. This type of fracture usually heals with no complications.

A displaced or subluxed fracture usually involves a bone that has moved out of its normal position within the wrist. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, reduced movement, instability, and curvature of the wrist. Treatment for this type of fracture typically includes reducing swelling, immobilization to reduce pain, splinting to stabilize it, and surgery if needed.

An avulsion fracture is when a piece of bone breaks off from the rest of the wrist because it was pulled forcefully away from its attachment point. The break usually occurs on one side of the wrist while there is no other wound present. If this happens at an angle to where it would be visible externally, it’s called an oblique avulsion fracture. If there are ligaments torn or cartilage damaged as well as a significant amount of bleeding present when an avulsion fracture occurs, surgical intervention is required immediately to prevent further damage and possible deformity.

Complex Closed Tension injury
This type of wrist fracture is the most common type of wrist fracture, accounting for up to 95% of all fractures. It typically occurs when a person falls on an outstretched hand and applies force to the wrist while it’s fully extended. The injury is classified as closed tension because the wrist is injured by compression rather than tension and because it’s surrounded by ligaments.
The treatment for this type of fracture involves splinting the wrist with the forearm in a neutral position and applying continuous external rotation traction using a loop strapped to the middle fingers. This traction helps reduce swelling, prevents further damage, and promotes healing and recovery.
The prognosis for this injury is generally good if treated within 24 hours after fall or within 48 hours after onset of symptoms. If not treated effectively, complications including deformity, stiffness, chronic pain, swelling, or numbness can occur.

Wrist fractures and Severity of Fractures.

Wrist Fractures can be classified into three categories based on the severity:

1. Type I (Mild): These fractures are usually less than 10 mm in length and have no displacement. Type I wrist fractures may need to be splinted for comfort or healing but do not require immobility. Pain management and range of motion exercises may be used to treat pain.
2. Type II (Moderate): These are longer than 10 mm and have slight displacement. Immobilisation is generally not required but pain management and range of motion exercises may be used to treat pain.
3. Type III (Severe): These are longer than 20 mm with significant or total displacement. Immobilisation is generally required with splints being used to support the affected bone and promote healing.
Wrist fractures are common injuries that result from a sudden force being applied to the wrist. If a fracture does not get attention right away, it could lead to more serious injuries and complications.

The signs and symptoms of a wrist fracture can vary depending on the type of fracture and the area involved. Some common symptoms that might occur include:

• pain in or around the wrist
• swelling around or below the wrist
• pain in the forearm or hand
• loss of strength or movement in the wrist
• decreased sensation in the palm of your hand
• persistent pain or tenderness after injury has healed

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.