Wrist fractures and how to treat them with surgery
Symptoms of a Wrist Fracture
You likely have a wrist fracture if experiencing:
- Severe pain and tenderness in the wrist/forearm
- Swelling and bruising around the wrist
- Difficulty moving the arm, wrist or hand
- Wrist twisted at an odd angle
- Audible snap or grinding noise during injury
- Tingling and numbness in the forearm, wrist or hand
- Bleeding (if bone breaks through skin)
The severity depends on fracture extent. Since sprains produce similar symptoms, professional evaluation with X-rays is essential for accurate diagnosis.
When Surgery Is Needed
Minor fractures typically heal with splinting or casting. However, more serious fractures require surgical intervention when “the bones cannot be correctly re-aligned and secured using just a cast.” Surgery may involve wires, screws, rods, and plates to support bones during healing, followed by casting for protection.
Why Wrist Fracture Surgery Matters
Surgery prevents improper bone healing that could cause deformity and limit hand and arm function in daily activities.
During Surgery
The procedure occurs under general anesthesia. You may stay for up to 48 hours post-surgery for monitoring and to confirm proper healing has begun.
Recovery
Recovery involves time off work and arm rest. Pain medication and physical therapy help restore motion, strength, and function to the hand and wrist.
