Fractures & Trauma · Wrist
Wrist Fracture
(Broken Wrist)
The wrist joint is comprised of a multitude of different bones. Fractures most often occur within the distal radius and distal tip of the ulna, though smaller wrist bones such as the scaphoid, triquetrum and hamate may also be involved.
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Overview
What Is a Wrist Fracture?
The wrist joint is comprised of a multitude of different bones. There are small bones including the scaphoid and hamate, as well as large bones including the distal portions of the radius and ulna which contribute to the wrist joint.
Fractures (commonly referred to as breaks) often occur within the distal radius and distal tip of the ulna. Other fracture locations more commonly seen include the scaphoid, triquetrum, and hamate which are smaller wrist bones.
Bones of the Wrist
- Radius (distal) — A large bone — a common fracture location
- Ulna (distal tip) — A large bone — a common fracture location
- Scaphoid — A small wrist bone, also commonly fractured
- Triquetrum — A small wrist bone, also commonly fractured
- Hamate — A small wrist bone, also commonly fractured
What Patients May Notice
- Pain and swelling at the wrist
- Tenderness over the injured bone
- Bruising around the wrist or forearm
- Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
- A visible deformity or abnormal bend at the wrist
- Reduced range of motion at the wrist
When to Seek Evaluation
A suspected broken wrist is worth evaluating. The decision regarding nonoperative versus operative treatment is complex and should be discussed with your treating physician. Evaluation helps determine which bone is involved and how the fragments are positioned.
Request an AppointmentTreatment Options
Non-Operative Treatment
Non-operative treatment options for wrist fractures include immobilization (splinting or casting) with or without manipulation of the bone fragments.
Splinting or Casting
Immobilization holds the bone fragments in position while the fracture heals. The type and duration of immobilization depends on which bone is broken and how stable the fracture is.
Manipulation Without Surgery
In some fractures, the bone fragments may be repositioned without an operation and then held in place with a splint or cast. Whether this is appropriate depends on the fracture pattern.
Osteoporosis Evaluation
Individuals who are older and/or sustain broken bones from low energy injuries (i.e. ground level falls) may have an underlying condition called osteoporosis. Evaluation and management should be discussed with your treating physician.
Non-operative treatment also carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
Surgical Treatment
Operative Treatment Options
Operative treatment options include open reduction and internal fixation and external fixation techniques. The technique selected depends on the bone involved, the pattern of the break and the condition of the surrounding soft tissues.
The decision regarding nonoperative versus operative treatment is complex and should be discussed with your treating physician.
Discussing Risks & Benefits
Outcomes after surgery vary and risks and benefits should be discussed in detail with your treating physician. Non-operative treatment also carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
Surgical Techniques
- Open reduction and internal fixation
- External fixation techniques
- The choice depends on which bone is involved
- The choice depends on the fracture pattern
Suspect a Broken Wrist?
An evaluation can determine which bone is involved and help you understand whether non-operative or operative treatment is the better path for your injury.
Request an AppointmentRelated Consideration
Osteoporosis & Fracture Risk
Individuals who are older and/or sustain broken bones from low energy injuries (i.e. ground level falls) may have an underlying condition called osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis involves a condition where bones have decreased mineral density. This creates an increased risk for sustaining a fracture. Treatment options include appropriate dietary vitamin intake and at the direction of a physician more specialized medications. Evaluation and management should be discussed with your treating physician.
Points to Discuss
- Whether a low energy injury may warrant evaluation
- Appropriate dietary vitamin intake
- More specialized medications, at the direction of a physician
Evaluation and management should be discussed with your treating physician.
Common Questions
Wrist Fracture FAQs
Which bones of the wrist are most commonly broken?+
The wrist joint is comprised of a multitude of different bones, including small bones such as the scaphoid and hamate and large bones such as the distal portions of the radius and ulna. Fractures often occur within the distal radius and distal tip of the ulna. Other fracture locations more commonly seen include the scaphoid, triquetrum, and hamate.
Can a broken wrist be treated without surgery?+
Non-operative treatment options for wrist fractures include immobilization (splinting/casting) with or without manipulation of the bone fragments. Non-operative treatment also carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
What surgical options exist for a wrist fracture?+
Operative treatment options include open reduction and internal fixation and external fixation techniques. The decision regarding nonoperative versus operative treatment is complex and should be discussed with your treating physician.
Could my fracture be related to osteoporosis?+
Individuals who are older and/or sustain broken bones from low energy injuries (i.e. ground level falls) may have an underlying condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis involves a condition where bones have decreased mineral density, which creates an increased risk for sustaining a fracture. Evaluation and management should be discussed with your treating physician.
Read more about when a wrist fracture needs surgery or explore fracture and injury care.
Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery
Injured Your Wrist? Get the Right Care.
If you suspect a broken wrist, an evaluation with Tanay Amin, MD, FAAOS can determine which bone is involved and help you understand whether non-operative or operative treatment is the better path for your injury.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to convey, substitute or supplant any medical advice. In order to establish a treating relationship, please schedule and complete your visits with a licensed physician.
Copyright 12/9/2021 Tanay Amin, MD. Do not copy, distribute, or publish this article. Please contact Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery PLLC with regards to any inquiries or corrections.