A Patient Experience After a Complex Wrist Fracture
Wrist fractures are among the most common injuries affecting the hand and upper extremity. These injuries frequently occur after falls, sports injuries, or other accidents and can significantly affect hand function if not treated properly.
One patient recently shared the following experience after treatment for a complicated wrist fracture:
"Dr. Neustein fixed a very complicated, broken wrist. With his work and some physical therapy, my outlook is very positive."
Experiences like this reflect the importance of careful evaluation and appropriate treatment when injuries involve the wrist joint, which plays a central role in grip strength, dexterity, and everyday hand function.
What Is a Wrist Fracture?
The most common wrist fracture involves the distal radius, the larger of the two bones in the forearm near the wrist. These injuries often occur when someone falls onto an outstretched hand.
Patients with a wrist fracture commonly experience:
- pain in the wrist immediately after an injury
- swelling and bruising around the wrist
- difficulty moving the wrist or fingers
- weakness when gripping objects
- visible deformity in more severe fractures
Because the fracture may extend into the wrist joint or alter the alignment of the bones, careful evaluation is important to ensure that the injury heals in a position that allows normal motion and function.
When Wrist Fractures Require Surgery
Many wrist fractures can heal successfully with casting or bracing when the bone fragments remain well aligned. However, more complex fractures may require surgical treatment to restore the anatomy of the wrist.
Surgery may be recommended when there is:
- displacement of bone fragments
- involvement of the joint surface
- unstable fracture patterns
- loss of normal wrist alignment
In these situations, restoring the alignment of the bone and the smooth surface of the joint can help preserve wrist motion and reduce the risk of long-term stiffness or arthritis.
Surgical Treatment for Wrist Fractures
When surgery is necessary, treatment often involves open reduction and internal fixation. During this procedure, the bone fragments are carefully repositioned and stabilized using specialized plates and screws designed for the wrist.
This approach can allow:
- restoration of the joint surface
- stable fixation of the fracture
- earlier motion during recovery
- improved long-term wrist function
Rehabilitation and physical therapy are often important parts of recovery, helping patients regain strength, flexibility, and coordination in the hand and wrist.
Wrist Fracture Care Near Duluth
Patients in Duluth, Johns Creek, Suwanee, Peachtree Corners, and surrounding communities frequently seek evaluation after wrist injuries caused by falls, sports accidents, or other trauma.
Dr. Thomas Neustein is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity injuries, including fractures of the wrist and hand. Evaluation of wrist injuries typically involves a detailed clinical examination and imaging studies to determine the type of fracture and the most appropriate treatment plan.
Conditions commonly treated include:
- wrist fractures
- hand fractures
- ligament injuries of the wrist
- tendon injuries of the hand
- nerve compression syndromes
Specialty Orthopaedics – Duluth
2320 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Suite 103
Duluth, GA 30097
Phone: (770) 532-7202
