Doing What's Right

FOR OUR COMMUNITY

We have established protocols for staff and physicians to ensure that our response is consistent with the standards of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local and state health departments. Many office visits can be done via Telemedicine.

Due to the increasingly stringent Shelter In Place orders, the need for determining true necessity for in-office visits is essential and required. Someone from your clinical team will contact you to determine your current needs.

Restore Comfort and Function after a Wrist Fracture

The wrist contains several tiny bones. If one or more of these bones fractures, treatment must be sought out immediately. Delayed treatment could result in permanent discomfort, stiffness, or deformity, making it difficult for patients to perform routine daily tasks. A wrist fracture can cause immense pain and limited hand movement but treatment can provide relief. At our Cedar Park, TX, office or other locations throughout Austin, our orthopedic specialists can treat a fractured wrist through both nonsurgical and surgical treatments

Woman holding wrist with illustration of bones under skin — Delayed treatment could result in permanent effects, making it difficult for patients to perform routine daily tasks.

Symptoms & Causes of Wrist Fractures

There are several warning signs that indicate a wrist fracture has occurred. For example, a broken wrist may cause:

Severe pain, which may be exacerbated by gripping or squeezing motions
Tenderness of the wrist
Swelling or inflammation
Bruising
Stiffness or immobility
Deformity, such as a bent wrist
Numbness or tingling in the fingers or hand

A broken wrist can occur due to a number of factors. Some of the most common causes include:

Falls: The most common cause of wrist fractures is falling onto an outstretched hand.
Vehicular accidents: Car crashes, cycling accidents, and similar events can result in wrist fractures. Unfortunately, these types of accidents often result in multiple fractures.
Sports-related injuries: Any sport can increase the risk for wrist fractures. However, activities that potentially involve falling onto an outstretched arm – such as snowboarding, skateboarding, or in-line skating – carry the greatest risk.

It is important to note that individuals with osteoporosis are much more likely to suffer a wrist fracture. In these cases, prevention is key.

If you have sustained a wrist fracture, it is important to seek prompt treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

To confirm a wrist fracture, your doctor will perform a thorough assessment of the affected hand. This generally includes diagnostic imaging, such as x-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These images provide unparalleled detail and aid our team in providing an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Based on the gathered information, your doctor might recommend:

Immobilization: Whenever a broken bone occurs, restricting movement is essential to proper healing. We will achieve this through the use of a splint, sling, brace, or cast. To reduce swelling and inflammation, you will be instructed to keep your hand above heart level as much as possible.
Medications: To alleviate discomfort, your surgeon may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. Medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can help mitigate pain, however, they may also impede healing if taken long-term. Therefore, it is important to ask your which medication he recommends. If your wrist fracture resulted in a skin wound or puncture, antibiotics will likely be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection and other complications.
Physical therapy: To reduce stiffness and immobility in your hand and wrist, physical therapy exercises will be recommended once the splint or cast comes off. It is important to understand that complete healing often takes several months.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery may be recommended. During this process, the bones may be stabilized with plates, screws, or pins. Additionally, a bone graft may help promote healing. Surgical intervention is usually required if you have:

A displaced fracture in which the bones have moved out of alignment
An open fracture that has pierced the skin
Loose bone fragments
Fractures that extend into a nearby joint
Damage to the nerves or ligaments around the break

Bones can shift, even after initial treatment and immobilization. For this reason, we typically monitors your progress with x-rays during the healing period to reduce the risk of complications.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you have sustained a wrist fracture, it is important to seek prompt treatment. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, contact our practice online or call (512) 476-2830.