Specialized Care for Wrist and Hand Injuries Close to Home
When a wrist fracture or complex hand injury happens, prompt and expert treatment is essential for full recovery. Many Blairsville residents are surprised to learn that advanced fracture care and hand surgery are available nearby. Specialty Orthopaedics in Dawsonville offers comprehensive care for distal radius fractures, broken wrists, and other upper extremity fractures with a focus on restoring strength, motion, and confidence.
Why Patients from Blairsville Travel for Expert Wrist Fracture Care
Patients from Blairsville often choose to travel south to Dawsonville because of Dr. Thomas Neustein’s specialization in wrist fractures and complex hand injuries. As a board-certified orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon, he provides precise diagnosis and state-of-the-art surgical treatment. Whether it’s a displaced fracture, an open fracture, or a fracture dislocation, Dr. Neustein ensures bones are aligned correctly and the wrist heals in its optimal position.
Understanding Wrist Fractures
A wrist fracture is a broken bone involving one or more of the bones in the wrist joint. Most wrist fractures occur in the distal radius, which connects the forearm to the hand. A fracture of the distal radius may range from a simple hairline crack to a comminuted fracture with multiple bone fragments. Wrist fractures often happen after a fall on an outstretched hand or a high-energy accident such as a car crash or sports injury.
Common Types of Wrist Fractures
Several specific fracture patterns can occur in the distal radius. A Colles fracture occurs when the wrist bends backward, causing the radius to tilt upward. A Smith fracture occurs when the wrist bends forward. Intra articular fractures extend into the wrist joint, while extra articular fractures stay outside the joint. Some patients experience an associated ulnar styloid fracture or carpal fracture that also requires attention.
Wrist Fractures and the Anatomy of the Wrist Joint
The wrist joint connects the radius bone and ulna to eight small carpal bones. Together, they allow complex motions like rotation, flexion, and extension. A broken wrist disrupts the smooth mechanics of the joint. The goal of treatment is to restore the correct position of the bones, known as fracture reduction, to maintain natural wrist function. In displaced fractures or fracture dislocations, the bone fragments must be carefully realigned for the joint to heal properly.
Recognizing the Signs of a Broken Wrist
A broken wrist often causes immediate pain, swelling, and a visible wrist deformity. The hand may appear bent or shortened. Many patients report difficulty moving the wrist or gripping objects. A grinding or popping sensation can occur when attempting motion. In more severe fractures, bruising spreads rapidly, and the wrist may appear crooked due to fracture displacement. If numbness occurs, the median nerve may be irritated, which sometimes also leads to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Diagnosing Distal Radius and Ulna Fractures
Diagnosis begins with a detailed physical examination and imaging studies. X-rays show fracture displacement, dorsal angulation, and radial inclination. Computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to evaluate complex intra articular fractures or ligamentous instability. Identifying associated injuries—such as an ulnar styloid fracture or a tear at the distal radioulnar joint—is critical for planning surgical treatment and ensuring complete recovery.
Treating Distal Radial Fractures Non-Surgically
Not all wrist fractures require surgery. For stable fracture patterns or minimally displaced fractures, closed reduction and casting can often achieve healing. A removable splint or short arm cast maintains correct position while the bone heals. This approach is common in buckle fractures, greenstick fractures, and torus fractures—injuries often seen in children and young adults. Periodic X-rays confirm the bones remain aligned during the healing process.
When Surgery Is Needed for Wrist Fractures
Surgical treatment is necessary when the fracture fragments cannot be held in the correct position through casting alone. Displaced fractures, intra articular fractures, and open fractures often require internal fixation to restore proper alignment. Severe fractures with multiple bone fragments or fracture dislocation may need advanced fixation methods to stabilize the wrist joint and promote early motion.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
Open reduction and internal fixation is one of the most effective surgical procedures for treating distal radius fractures. During this procedure, the fractured bone fragments are repositioned into their correct position and stabilized using a metal plate and screws. This internal fixation allows early wrist motion and prevents the bones from shifting during recovery. ORIF is often used for displaced fractures or severe intra articular fractures requiring precise alignment.
External Fixation and Severe Fractures
In some high energy injuries or open fractures, external fixation may be necessary. An external fixator stabilizes the fractured bone using metal pins connected outside the skin. This technique is often used when swelling, skin injury, or bone loss prevents immediate internal fixation. Once the soft tissue recovers, internal fixation can be completed safely. External fixation may also be combined with percutaneous pins or a temporary bridge plate for complex fracture patterns.
Treating Distal Radial Fractures with Modern Techniques
Today’s treatment options for distal radial fractures focus on stability and motion. Low-profile volar plates and fragment-specific fixation techniques restore bone alignment without irritating surrounding tendons. Internal fixation allows early bone healing, which helps patients regain wrist motion quickly. Restoring the correct radial inclination and tilt ensures long-term wrist function and prevents chronic stiffness.
Managing Associated Ulna and Carpal Fractures
Many wrist fractures involve associated ulna fracture or carpal bone injuries. An ulnar styloid fracture often occurs with distal radius fractures, while carpal fractures can affect the scaphoid or lunate. These associated injuries must be stabilized to prevent future instability at the distal radioulnar joint. Dr. Neustein carefully evaluates every fracture for additional bone or ligament damage that may affect long-term wrist function.
Bone Healing and Recovery
Bone healing begins within the first few weeks after injury. The process relies on healthy blood flow, good bone alignment, and stable fixation. Early bone healing forms a soft callus that gradually hardens as new bone forms. By six to eight weeks, most fractures show signs of union. Patients are often able to start physical therapy once X-rays confirm healing. Maintaining good bone health through proper nutrition and avoiding smoking helps the bone heal stronger and faster.
Early Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Starting physical therapy at the right time is critical for preventing stiffness. After internal fixation, the wrist is usually protected in a splint for one to two weeks. Then, gentle range-of-motion exercises begin under supervision. As healing continues, strengthening exercises restore grip strength and coordination. Physical therapy focuses on regaining wrist flexibility, hand motion, and overall upper extremity strength. Most patients return to normal activities within three months after surgery.
Treating Severe or High Energy Fractures
More severe fractures or high energy injuries often involve multiple fracture fragments or soft-tissue damage. These cases may require staged surgical procedures to achieve full restoration. Internal fixation, bone grafting, and ligament repair may all be performed to rebuild the wrist joint. Careful management of these complex cases helps restore stability and motion while preventing long-term complications such as stiffness or chronic pain.
Wrist Fractures in Older Adults
Older adults are particularly prone to osteoporotic fractures due to reduced bone density. Even a simple fall can cause a Colles fracture or Smith fracture. Treatment focuses on restoring wrist alignment while addressing bone quality. Dr. Neustein may recommend a bone density test to identify osteoporosis and help prevent future fractures. Optimizing bone health reduces the risk of fracture displacement or delayed healing.
Pediatric Wrist Fractures and Growth Considerations
Children and teenagers can develop unique fracture types, including buckle fractures, torus fractures, and greenstick fractures. These incomplete fractures occur in softer, more flexible bones. Because growth plates are still active, careful monitoring ensures proper alignment and growth. Most pediatric wrist fractures heal quickly with immobilization, though follow-up X-rays are essential to prevent future wrist deformity.
Complex Hand Injuries and Upper Extremity Fractures
In addition to wrist fractures, Dr. Neustein treats complex upper extremity fractures involving the hand, fingers, and forearm. Many wrist fractures are accompanied by soft-tissue or tendon injury that affects grip and hand motion. Surgical treatment addresses both bone and tendon repair to ensure a complete recovery. Patients from Blairsville trust Specialty Orthopaedics in Dawsonville for comprehensive hand and wrist care from a single specialist.
Preventing Complications After a Wrist Fracture
Following treatment instructions carefully helps prevent complications such as stiffness, hardware irritation, or complex regional pain syndrome. Early therapy and adherence to post-surgical care significantly reduce these risks. Maintaining good bone health and performing gentle exercises once cleared by the surgeon promote better long-term outcomes and faster return to function.
Long-Term Outcomes After Fracture Fixation
With proper treatment, most fractures heal fully with excellent wrist function. Patients regain strength, flexibility, and the ability to perform all daily activities. Once the bone heals, hardware removal is rarely necessary unless discomfort occurs. Most patients report a stable, pain-free wrist and are able to return to sports, work, and recreation without restriction.
Advanced Care for Blairsville Wrist Fracture Patients
Dr. Thomas Neustein’s Dawsonville office is equipped to manage all forms of distal radius fractures, including open fracture care, internal fixation, and complex revision surgeries. By focusing exclusively on hand and upper extremity conditions, he ensures that each patient receives precise, efficient, and effective treatment. Many Blairsville patients travel south because they know Dawsonville offers the most specialized care for wrist fractures and hand injuries in North Georgia.
Schedule an Appointment for Wrist Fracture Evaluation
If you live in or near Blairsville and have suffered a wrist injury, don’t wait to get evaluated. A distal radius fracture that heals incorrectly can cause permanent stiffness and deformity. Dr. Neustein and his team provide advanced fracture reduction, fixation, and rehabilitation tailored to your injury. Schedule your visit today to begin recovery with a specialist who focuses solely on the hand, wrist, and upper extremity.
