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Sometimes a wrist fracture is also called a “Colles fracture” or “Distal Radius Fracture.” Typically, a break occurs in the larger of the two bones in your forearm. The bone breaks on the lower end. Close to where it connects to the bones on the side where the thumb connects the wrist.
The most common type of wrist fracture is the Colles’ fracture. In fact, one out of every 10 broken bones is a broken wrist. Typically, these injuries occur from falling onto an outstretched arm or getting hit in the wrist.
A wrist fracture is more common in people who participate in contact sports, also skiers, inline skaters, and bikers. Additionally, people with osteoporosis or thinning of the bones are at an incredibly high-risk. Granted, they can happen to anyone who takes a fall or gets hit.
A broken wrist may have one or more symptoms, such as:
Sometimes, a broken wrist can affect the nerves or blood flow. You should seek IMMEDIATE medical attention if you experience symptoms, such as:
Our team of orthopedic surgeons is experts in the treatment of wrist fractures. Whether you have just begun to experience symptoms or have been experiencing the symptoms for a while, you can count on us for an effective wrist fracture treatment. You can visit any of our offices in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Plantation, and Fort Lauderdale.
It is typical for a wrist fracture to be caused by one of the following:
Participating in certain sports activities and having the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis can increase your chances of breaking a wrist. The following sports put you at a higher risk for experiencing a wrist fracture:
To properly diagnose a wrist fracture, your doctor will take a comprehensive medical history. This history includes prior injuries, information of daily activities, and a history of symptoms. Not to mention, X-rays can also help determine a wrist fracture. Your physician might order one depending on your condition. Although, other tests such as an MRI or CT scan can show a fracture more clearly.
Some treatments may be more particular than others depending on the diagnosis. Your treatment plan will be made to fit your specific condition.
It is typical for the following to be recommended:
Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery might be an option. It would consist of hardware to hold your bones in place while they heal, such as:
It’s important after surgery for your surgeon to monitor the progress. This is done with X-rays to make sure no bones shift. If they do shift, however, you might need additional surgery.