Wrist fractures are among the most common hand and wrist injuries, especially after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Patients searching for wrist fracture care in Cumming GA often need a highly trained orthopedic hand surgeon who specializes in treating fractures, broken bones, ligament injuries, and complex wrist pain. Many patients travel from Cumming to the Dawsonville office of Dr. Thomas Neustein for accurate diagnosis, expert treatment options, and coordinated recovery. His advanced training in hand surgery and wrist fractures allows patients to receive expert-level care close to home.
Understanding Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures involve a break in one or more bones of the wrist joint. They may affect the distal radius, ulna, scaphoid, or nearby structures in the hand and wrist. A wrist fracture may occur from a single injury such as a fall, contact sports, or high-energy trauma. Other symptoms can include swelling, severe pain, wrist pain during movement, finger stiffness, and difficulty using the affected joint.
Common Causes of Wrist Fractures
Most wrist fractures result from a fall onto an outstretched hand. This type of injury can cause the wrist bones to break, shift, or form bone fragments. Wrist fractures also occur in contact sports, workplace accidents, and everyday injuries involving sudden trauma to the hand and wrist.
Symptoms of Wrist Fractures
Symptoms may vary depending on severity but commonly include swelling, pain, deformity, bruising, numbness, and inability to move the wrist or fingers. A patient may notice severe pain when trying to grip objects or bend the wrist.
Types of Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures include distal radius fractures, scaphoid fractures, ulna fractures, and injuries involving the wrist joint. Each fracture type affects the hand and wrist differently and requires a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s severity and activity level.
Distal Radius Fractures
Distal radius fractures are the most common type of wrist fracture. The distal radius is located near the wrist joint and is easily injured during a fall. These fractures may cause bone fragments to shift and may require open reduction or surgical intervention to restore alignment.
Scaphoid and Carpal Bone Injuries
A scaphoid fracture may occur from a fall or sports injury. Scaphoid injuries are often difficult to detect without imaging tests such as x rays or CT scan. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of complications.
Associated Hand and Wrist Injuries
Wrist fractures may occur along with ligament injuries, tendon irritation, nerve compression, or hand fracture involving the thumb, ring finger, or other fingers. Damage to nearby structures, including blood vessels and nerves, may cause numbness or tingling.
Diagnosis and Imaging Tests
Diagnosis typically includes x rays, CT scan, or advanced imaging tests to evaluate bone fragments, joint involvement, and fracture severity. Imaging helps identify the fracture site, surrounding structures involved, and whether surgery is needed.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
Some wrist fractures can be treated without surgery. Nonsurgical treatment may include splinting, casting, immobilization, and hand therapy. Doctors consider fracture stability, bone alignment, and patient activities when creating a treatment plan.
When Surgery Is Needed
Surgery may be required when the bones are displaced, unstable, or affecting the wrist joint. Surgical intervention may involve open reduction, plates, screws, or other stabilization techniques. Surgery is performed in a fully equipped operating room at Northside Hospital Forsyth.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a common treatment for severe injury involving displaced wrist fractures. This procedure uses plates and screws to secure the bones, restore alignment, and support proper healing.
Recovery After Wrist Fracture Surgery
Recovery may take several weeks depending on the severity of the fracture. Splinting, wound care, and follow-up imaging ensure the bones heal correctly. The main goal is to return the patient to normal activities safely while preventing stiffness or complications.
Hand Therapy and Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation is essential after wrist fractures. Hand therapy and physical therapy help restore strength, motion, and stability. Therapy also helps prevent stiffness and improves recovery of the affected joint.
Healing Process and Long-Term Outcomes
The healing process depends on fracture severity, treatment choice, and patient compliance. Most people heal well with proper care. Severe injury may require extended rehabilitation to regain full wrist function.
Complications of Wrist Fractures
Complications may include stiffness, chronic wrist pain, nerve irritation, dislocation, or arthritis. Early diagnosis and proper treatment help reduce long-term problems for patients.
Wrist Fractures in Contact Sports
Athletes who participate in contact sports may be at higher risk of wrist fractures, ligament injuries, and tendon problems. These injuries may affect the forearm, palm, fingers, and wrist structures.
Importance of Specialist Care
A fracture involving the hand and wrist may appear minor but can hide more serious damage involving nerves, ligaments, and tendons. Seeing a specialist ensures the best outcome and reduces complications.
Why Patients From Cumming Choose Dr. Neustein
Many patients in Cumming GA rely on Dr. Neustein for wrist fracture treatment because of his Emory background, fellowship training, and expertise in hand and wrist surgery. His Dawsonville office offers convenient access for evaluation, imaging, treatment planning, and rehabilitation. Patients also appreciate the coordinated care available through surgery at Northside Forsyth.
Treatment Plan Tailored to Each Patient
Every patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their injury, goals, and daily activities. Whether the fracture requires nonsurgical treatment or surgical intervention, the goal is to support healing, restore motion, and return the patient to normal activities safely.
Schedule an Appointment
Patients seeking treatment for wrist fracture in Cumming GA or evaluation for fractures, hand and wrist pain, or severe injury can schedule a visit at the Dawsonville office.
