A wrist fracture is one of the most common broken bones treated in orthopaedic surgery. Because the wrist is made up of many small bones and delicate joints, even a simple injury can affect long-term function. Patients in Northeast Georgia often seek care for wrist fractures caused by falls, sports injuries, or accidents. With the right diagnosis and treatment, healing can be achieved and lasting relief provided.
Understanding Wrist Fractures
The wrist is a complex joint formed by the radius, ulna, and eight small bones of the carpus. These bones support hand movement, finger motion, and overall function of the upper extremity. When a fracture occurs, the affected joint may become painful, swollen, and unstable. Fractures vary depending on the bone involved and the severity of the injury.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Wrist fractures often result from falls onto an outstretched hand. Sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and workplace trauma are also frequent causes. Osteoporosis and other medical conditions can weaken bones, increasing the risk of a break even with minor impact. Patients experiencing pain, swelling, or deformity after a fall should be evaluated promptly.
Symptoms of a Wrist Fracture
Typical symptoms include severe pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited motion of the wrist and fingers. The palm or forearm may be tender, and patients may notice a visible deformity if the fracture is displaced. Other symptoms can include numbness or tingling if nearby nerves are affected. Proper diagnosis is necessary to determine the extent of the injury and the best course of treatment.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Doctors use a combination of physical examination and imaging to diagnose wrist fractures. The first step is checking for deformity, swelling, and skin changes. X-rays help determine the type of fracture, whether the bone is displaced, and if small joints are involved. In some cases, CT or MRI scans may be ordered to look at soft tissue damage, nerves, or blood supply to the bone. Advanced imaging also helps diagnose scaphoid fractures, which can be difficult to see initially.
Importance of Blood Supply
The wrist contains small bones that rely on a delicate blood supply for healing. If a fracture disrupts circulation, it can delay recovery or increase the risk of complications such as nonunion. Scaphoid fractures are especially vulnerable to blood supply problems, which is why accurate diagnosis and early treatment are critical. Protecting blood flow is always a priority in surgical repair.
Comparing Wrist Fractures to Knee Injuries
Patients sometimes compare wrist fractures to injuries of larger joints such as the knee. While both involve bone, cartilage, and soft tissue, wrist fractures can be more complex because of the number of small joints involved. Unlike the knee, which has large weight-bearing surfaces, the wrist depends on precise alignment of multiple bones to maintain function. This makes early treatment and careful surgical procedures essential.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Some wrist fractures can be treated without surgery. A splint or cast may stabilize the bone while it heals. Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain and swelling, while rest helps protect the injured joint. Rehabilitation exercises are often recommended to restore range of motion and function once the cast is removed. Physical therapy may also help patients regain strength and flexibility after immobilization.
When Surgery May Be Required
Surgical treatment options are considered when fractures are displaced, unstable, or involve the joint surface. Surgery may involve placing pins, plates, or screws to stabilize the bone. In severe cases, external fixation devices may be used to hold the fracture in place from outside the skin. Surgical repair allows the bone to heal in proper alignment and reduces the risk of long-term deformity.
Surgical Procedures for Wrist Fractures
Hand surgery and orthopaedic surgery techniques vary depending on the severity of the injury. Procedures may include open reduction with internal fixation, where the bone is repositioned and secured with plates or screws. External fixation may be performed when the skin and soft tissue are compromised. Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s needs, and treatment may involve surgical repair of both bone and soft tissue structures.
Advantages of Surgical Repair
The advantages of surgical treatment options include faster stabilization, reduced deformity, and improved function. For patients in Northeast Georgia, surgery can provide relief from severe pain and prevent long-term stiffness. The decision to move forward with surgery will vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the patient’s goals.
Recovery and Healing
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the fracture and the surgical procedure performed. Patients may wear a cast, splint, or brace for several weeks. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are important to restore mobility, strength, and function. Healing may take a couple of months, though full recovery can take longer for severe injuries. The goal is always to provide relief, restore stability, and return patients to daily life as quickly and safely as possible.
Impact on the Whole Body
Although a wrist fracture involves a small joint, the impact can affect the entire body. Pain in the wrist may limit daily activities, affect shoulder movement, or even change posture as patients try to protect the injury. Because the body works as a connected system, treating the wrist promptly helps prevent secondary problems in the arm, elbow, and shoulder.
Long-Term Considerations
If fractures are not treated properly, complications such as stiffness, arthritis, infection, or deformity can occur. Surgical treatment helps reduce these risks, but consistent follow-up and rehabilitation remain critical. Addressing inflammation, swelling, and stiffness early helps promote healing and maintain joint function.
Preventing Future Injuries
Preventing fractures involves maintaining strong bones, good balance, and safe habits. Weight-bearing exercise, proper nutrition, and avoiding falls are all important. For athletes in North Georgia and the Atlanta area, using protective gear and proper training can reduce the chance of sports injuries. Patients who have had a fracture once are often at higher risk of another, making prevention a key part of ongoing health.
Rehabilitation and Function
After immobilization or surgery, rehabilitation is essential to restore full function. Exercises for the wrist, hand, and fingers encourage circulation, improve strength, and promote healing. The goal of therapy is not only to restore motion in the wrist but also to ensure that the rest of the body remains strong and balanced during recovery.
Other Conditions Treated
In addition to wrist fractures, patients in Northeast Georgia may seek treatment for hand fractures, elbow injuries, tendon repairs, and conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Our practice also treats sports injuries, arthritis, ganglion cysts, and nerve conditions that affect the upper extremity.
Why Choose Dr. Neustein for Wrist Fracture Treatment
Dr. Thomas Neustein is a fellowship-trained hand surgeon specializing in upper extremity surgery. His practice provides advanced orthopaedic surgery techniques for wrist fractures and other injuries. Patients in Northeast Georgia and North Georgia trust his expertise, precision, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes. By combining advanced surgical procedures with compassionate care, his goal is to help each patient heal and return to full function.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or limited motion after a wrist injury, do not wait to seek care. Contact one of our Northeast Georgia offices today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Neustein. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can determine whether your wrist fracture requires surgery and help ensure the best possible recovery.
