Broken Hand Treatment Options: Hand Fracture Surgery
Fractures that cannot be properly corrected with the aforementioned treatment strategies will require broken hand surgery. During hand fracture surgery, local or general anesthesia may be used depending on the specific surgery. Broken hand surgery may involve the use of small pins and wires that will hold the fractured bones in place for several weeks. In some instances, metal plates and screws may be utilized to ensure the bones of the hand are properly aligned. If a bone has been shattered, it may be necessary to use a bone graft transplanted from another part of the patients body. A bone graft may also be used to treat a bone that has not healed properly after a previous injury.
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How To Tell The Difference Between A Wrist Sprain And A Wrist Fracture
This article was co-authored by Diana Lee, MD. Dr. Diana Lee is a Family Medicine Physician in California. She received her MD from Georgetown University in 2015. Most recently, she completed an Ophthalmic Pathology fellowship at Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her research interests are diverse and include: cataract surgery, dry eye, thyroid eye disease, retinoblastoma and diabetic retinopathy.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 15 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 272,621 times.
Symptoms Of Broken & Sprained Wrists
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Usually in that case, if the pain subsides over the next few days, it’s typically considered a wrist fracture. But if the pain is not getting better and persists and the swelling gets worse, difficult use to the hand, etc., many times an X-ray is warranted to determine if it is a wrist fracture or not.
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How Is A Wrist Fracture Treated
Our treatment decisions are not only based on what the X-ray looks like but on who the fracture happened to, who that person is, explains Dr. Swigart. Factors taken into consideration include whether one or more bones are broken, in one or several places; whether torn ligaments are involved, and whether there are other injuries that require treatment.The good news is, most people with wrist fracture recover fully. According to Dr. Swigart, the range of treatment options for wrist fracture include:
- Wearing a cast or splint, usually for five to six weeks, followed by physical therapy to gain strength and restore range of motion.
- Surgery to fix the break, using pins to hold the bone in place. The pins are usually temporary. After the outpatient surgery, patients wear a cast or splint for several weeks, and then have physical therapy.
- Reconstructive surgery, also an outpatient procedure, uses plates and screws to repair the damaged bone. Patients are required to wear a cast for two to three weeks, and then transition to a removable brace and begin physical therapy.
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Are You High Risk
You might find yourself being a high risk for a fractured or sprained wrist if youre active in sports, specifically ones like skateboarding or snowboarding. Another high-risk factor is if youve been;diagnosed with osteoporosis, a bone disease that is characterized by low bone density.
53 million people in the United States either are already diagnosed with osteoporosis or are at high risk because of their low bone density.;Otherwise known as the silent disease, many people do not know they have this disease until a slip or fall happens and they end up with an injury.
Even if you dont find yourself playing sports often, any type of activity that is high in contact increases your chances of experiencing a wrist fracture. Even something as small as jumping on a trampoline can make you more high risk.
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Common Causes Of A Wrist Fracture
Most people break their radius bone, which is one of the two main bones in the forearm that is connected to 8 smaller bones. Common causes of a wrist fracture or break include the following:
- Attempting to stop a fall using your outstretched arm and hand
- Falling off a bike or ladder
- Car or motorcycle accident
- Playing sports
- Osteoporosis
If your wrist is swollen and painful, it is best to consult with Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic;for a diagnosis. If you wait too long and simply ice it and keep it elevated, you could cause even more damage. Its better to have the appropriate tests completed to know what you are dealing with, as treatment will be very different for a broken wrist compared to one that is simply sprained.
Treatment For Wrist Sprain
For mild sprains, the RICE protocol is very effective at relieving symptoms:
- Rest Do not use your wrist for 48 hours. You may need a splint to help.
- Ice Ice your wrist immediately after injury then for 20 minutes, 2-3 times per day. Never apply ice directly to your skin remember to wrap the ice in a clean cloth before using.
- Compression Use a compression wrap or bandage to reduce swelling.
- Elevation Elevate your arm as often as you can, keeping it above your heart level.
In addition to following the RICE protocol, you may also consider using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce swelling and pain. Your doctor may also recommend some stretching exercises to help you regain full mobility in your wrist. Furthermore, if your injury requires a splint, you can find these at your local drugstore. Keep in mind that a severe wrist sprain may require surgery.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Hairline Fracture Of The Wrist
Wrist Hairline FractureThe quick answer is the symptoms of hairline fractures of the wrist are pain, swelling, bruising and lack of function of the wrist. Wrist fractures can occur with a fall on an outstretched arm, or a forceful impact such as a car accident. Fractures to the wrist are typically painful at the wrist and can appear to deform the wrist and hand. ;There are 2 long bones in the forearm which connect to the wrist and hand. ;There are 8 small bones called carpals which work together to connect the forearm to the hand. ;A severe fracture in the wrist may involve one of the long bones , or one or more of the 8 carpal bones. ;Hairline fractures are also known as stress fractures. ;Hairline fractures are also common in the foot, ankle and spine. ;Fractures are diagnosed with x-rays and an exam from a physician.;
What Should You Do If You Think Your Wrist Is Broken
If you think you may have a fractured wrist or are just not sure, see a medical professional immediately. Imaging, such as x-rays, can help determine if the wrist is fractured, and if so, how badly and where. If you see a General Practitioner, you may be referred to an Orthopedic specialist, like Celebration orthopedics, to determine severity and treatment options. Not seeking medical treatment should never be an option, as it can lead to long term pain, damage, and loss of movement or dexterity. When in doubt, speak to your doctor.
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Diagnosing A Wrist Injury
When you injure your wrist, your doctor will ask you to describe how the injury occurred and perform a physical examination. Common physical tests during the examination could include:
- Inspecting for deformity, bruising, swelling, and lacerations
- Palpating the critical structures to assess the location of the injury
- Testing your joints to assess their stability
Based on the exam, your doctor may then order an x-ray. An x-ray is needed to decipher between a sprain and a fracture in most situations. If the x-ray appears normal but your symptoms are severe and persistent, your doctor may order additional tests such as a CT scan or an MRI. Rarely would a bone scan would be needed.
Its important to note that fractures of the scaphoid can masquerade as a sprain. This is because sometimes scaphoid fractures arent as painful as distal radius fractures . Your practitioner should check the scaphoid for tenderness and if theres any suspicion, then special x-rays, a CT scan, an MRI, or early follow up and recheck are necessary.
Different Types Of Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures are common and usually happen if you put your hands out to protect yourself when you trip or fall. Treatment for a wrist fracture can vary depending on the severity and the type of fracture. An orthopedic surgeon will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment to ensure a successful recovery from a wrist fracture.
A broken wrist usually causes immediate pain, swelling, and tenderness, and there may be bruising or discoloration to the affected area. In some cases, there may also be an obvious deformity. If you experience severe pain, have an open fracture , if the wrist area is deformed or numb, or if the fingers are no longer pink, you should seek immediate medical treatment.
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How To Heal A Sprained Wrist
It is possible for mild wrist sprains to be self-treated at home. The recommendation for sprained wrist treatment is rest, ice, compression, and elevation . Aspirin or ibuprofen can also help minimize swelling. If swelling doesnt go down in 48 hours or the sprain doesnt resolve in two to three days, you should call your hand and wrist specialist.;
- Rest: Avoid using the wrist for at least two days.;;
- Ice: Ice the injury right away and continue applying ice a few times a day for 20 minutes each time.;
- Compression: A compression bandage is how to wrap a sprained wrist. It can be used to minimize swelling and provide wrist support.;
- Elevation: Elevate your wrist above your heart.;;
Medical treatment is recommended for moderate and severe sprains. Splints are typically used for moderate sprains. Severe sprains may need surgery in order to connect the ligament to the bone or to reconstruct the ligament.;;
Will I Need Surgery
In most cases, these conservative healing methods are enough. But if you have a particularly severe or complex fracture, surgery may be required because a cast wont be enough to help the bone heal correctly.
Surgery may involve the insertion of pins, screws, plates, or other devices to hold your bones in place to heal. We may recommend surgery in the following cases:
- A piece of bone has broken through your skin
- You have a bone broken in multiple places
- Your break extends into the wrist joint
- The broken pieces of bone have moved out of place
- Pieces of bone have injured a blood vessel or nerve
- You tore ligaments along with the break
If you suspect youve injured a wrist and have pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, or apparent deformity, make an appointment with our experts at Maryland Orthopedic Specialists.
We can diagnose a fracture and get you the treatment necessary to heal and restore function. either our Bethesda or Germantown, Maryland, office or use our online system to schedule a consultation.
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Wrist Sprain Vs Broken Wrist: Signs To Tell Which Happened
There are eight small bones in your wrist. Any of them can break and cause severe damage to your wrist.;
Depending on the break, your wrist could take anywhere from weeks to months to heal.;
Maybe you broke one of these eight wrist bones, but youre unsure if its a break or a sprain. How do you tell the difference?;
Heres a guide on the difference between a wrist sprain and a wrist break that can give you insight on if you should see a doctor and the treatment options available to you.;
Broken Hand Rehab Broken Hand Physical Therapy Exercises
Physical therapy may be recommended for some hand injuries to help with the recovery process. Finger and hand physical therapy exercises are used to alleviate pain and discomfort related to stiffness and inflammation, and they can also help patients restore strength lost as a result of extended immobilization. The overseeing physical therapist will first gauge a patients range of motion and overall functionality before establishing a comprehensive regimen of hand physical therapy exercises. Once the patient has demonstrated proficiency, these broken hand physical therapy exercises should be performed at home daily for optimal results. Hand therapy putty and common everyday household items such as towels and cups may be used to help with strength training exercises. Stretching exercises will also be incorporated to increase the range of motion.
Remember, we update our Sports Medicine Oregon blog monthly, so be sure to tune in often to stay up to date on the latest sports medicine news and views!
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Ligaments Of The Wrist
Ligaments are fibrous bands of tissue that connect two bones. Ligaments of the wrist connect the wrists carpal bones with each other or with the bones of the forearm or hand .
Depending on their location, the ligaments of the wrist can be broadly grouped into:
- Extrinsic ligaments that connect the carpal bones to the long bones of the forearm or the bones between the wrist and finger bones . Extrinsic ligaments include several volar radiocarpal ligaments, volar ulnocarpal ligaments, and dorsal ligaments.
- Intrinsic ligaments that connect the carpal bones to each other. Intrinsic ligaments include several proximal row ligaments, distal row ligaments, and palmar midcarpal ligaments.
Some of these ligaments also web together to form a capsule around the wrist joint, and provide strength, flexibility, and support to the wrist.
Commonly diagnosed wrist ligament injuries include2:
- Triangular fibrocartilage complex injury. The TFCC is a small piece of cartilage that lies on top of the ulna bone and cushions the carpal bones. TFCC injuries result in damage to the radioulnar and ulnocarpal ligaments of the wrist.
- Scapholunate ligament injury. The most common type of wrist sprain results from damage to the scapholunate ligament, which connects the scaphoid and lunate bones.1 These injuries happen on a spectrum from partial injuries to complete tears depending on severity.
Both non-surgical and surgical treatments are used to treat wrist sprains.
Wrist Sprain Or Break How To Tell And What To Do
Weve all been there: A trip, slip, or missed step sends us tumbling to the ground, bracing ourselves with our hands and bent wrists. This sort of fall often causes wrist pain but is it a sprain or a fracture?
An incorrect diagnosis could extend recovery time significantly or lead to surgery that could have been avoided with proper treatment. In the long-term, an improperly treated wrist injury could cause chronic pain, stiffness, and arthritis, making correct diagnosis and comprehensive care all the more important.
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More Factors That Affect The Cost Of Wrist Surgery
- Prescriptions A physician may prescribe painkillers or antibiotics post-procedure. To avoid high prescription prices, make sure your insurance policy covers the prescriptions you receive. You can also ask if there is a generic version of the same medicine, which can help lower the cost.
- Additional office visits In some cases, you may be charged a separate fee for an initial consultation with the surgeon before the procedure. Complications from wrist surgery are rare. However, your doctor will want to see you for a follow-up appointment one to two weeks after your surgery to evaluate your recovery. Patients often see their doctor at least once more after that, depending on the type of surgery. Ask if these follow up visits are included in the total cost of your procedure.
Common Causes Of Hand Injuries
Hand injuries and broken bones have a variety of causes. One of the most common reasons for a broken hand is a force.
Punching a hard surface or sustaining a fall can cause a bone to break, most characterized by pain in your hand. Its not uncommon to use your hands to break a fall, leading to swelling in hands and broken bones.
Its also possible to twist your hand in a way that manipulates the bones, causing one or more to break. This is also true if your hand is accidentally crushed or caught under extreme weight.
People with osteoarthritis;are more susceptible to broken bones, as this disease wears down the joints within your hands. If you suffer from osteoarthritis its important to take extra precautions to prevent breaks and fractures.
Its also common to break your hand in the thumb or fingertip region. The side of your hand below your pinky is also another common site for breaks and fractures.
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What Are The Causes Of A Broken Wrist
Your wrist joint is made up of several bones. These include the 8 carpal bones, the radius and the ulna. Any of these bones can break. However, the more common wrist fractures include:
- distal radius and ulna fracture
- scaphoid fracture.
The cause of a broken wrist is usually due to a fall on;to an outstretched hand. Other causes include:
- serious accidents such as motor vehicle accidents
- a break that occurs in a weak bone, such as; if you have osteoporosis.;
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Common Causes Of A Broken Wrist
Broken wrists, or Colles fractures, are the most common fracture of the arm. They occur when the larger of the two forearm bones breaks near the wrist on the thumb side. Activities that put people at risk for broken wrists include in-line skating, skiing, and biking, although anyone who falls onto an outstretched hand can break a wrist. Elderly people who are prone to falls and have osteoporosis have a high risk of breaking their wrists.
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