Wrist Fractures
A wrist fracture is one of the most common types of bone injuries among people of all ages. Wrist fractures typically occur from a fall onto an outstretched hand. The wrist is a complicated structure made up of ligaments, tendons, and multiple bones, including:
- The forearm bones – distal ends of the radius and ulna
- Eight small carpal bones
- The proximal ends of the long metacarpal bones which extend into the hand
The most common type of wrist fracture is a distal radius fracture, which happens at the far end or distal end of the radius, near where it meets the wrist.
Symptoms of Wrist Fractures
Common signs or symptoms of a wrist fracture include:
- Immediate pain that worsens from moving the wrist after an injury
- Bruising, swelling or visible deformity around the wrist
- Difficulty moving or using the wrist
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the hand
Risk Factors
Some factors that increase the risk of wrist fractures include:
- Osteoporosis and being elderly
- Participating in strenuous or contact sports, or adventure activities, like motocross, road bike or mountain biking
- Age (both young children falling of play equipment and older adults are at higher risk)
- Poor balance or coordination
- Previous fractures
How we diagnose wrist fractures
Wrist fractures can be difficult to examine, especially if they don’t show the typical symptoms that are clearly visible. Our wrist fracture diagnostic process typically involves:
- Physical examination by orthopaedic doctor or fracture specialist
- Detailed medical history
- X-rays from different angles to ensure nothing is missed
- CT scans or MRI scans for complex cases where suspected wrist injuries may not be visible on x-rays
Wrist Fracture Treatment
Once your wrist fracture is diagnosed for most injuries and various non-operative treatment options such as:
1. Immobilisation
- Traditional plaster casts
- Waterproof casting options
- Custom-moulded splints
- Removable casts and “Exos” wrist braces
2. Pain Management
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Ice therapy for your wrist
- Elevation techniques
- Movement modification advice
3. Early Rehabilitation
- Guided exercise programs
- Movement restoration techniques
- Strength training and physiotherapy
- Return to activity planning
Do you need surgery?
Our orthopaedic surgeon will assess you promptly if your fracture requires a surgical intervention. Surgical treatment may be needed for:
- Severely displaced fractures
- Open fractures (where bone has broken through the skin)
- Fractures involving joint surfaces
- Unstable fractures
- Multiple fragment fractures
Wrist Fracture Recovery
Most patients, including children, can expect 6-8 weeks in a cast or splint. Bone remodelling can take 3-6 months. Patients can commence light activities in 6 weeks to 3 months, and make a full return to sports in 4-6 months. Recovery from a wrist fracture typically involves several phases:
Initial Phase (0-6 weeks):
- Wrist Fracture Immobilisation
- Wrist Pain and swelling management
- Regular monitoring and X-rays
- Basic finger exercises to maintain circulation
Middle Phase (6-12 weeks):
- Transition to removable splint (mostly for the elderly or when underlying arthritis is present)
- Gentle movement exercises and gradual increase in activities
- Physiotherapy sessions
Final Phase (3-6 months):
- Progressive strengthening
- Return to normal activities
- Sport-specific rehabilitation if needed
- Ongoing exercises for maintenance
How can I book an appointment at the Fracture Clinic?
You can call their phone number or make an appointment online via their website. The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Do you accept insurance?
We work with multiple health insurance providers. We offer Medicare rebates where applicable and can assist you in understanding your potential coverage. We recommend:
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Checking your specific insurance policy for physiotherapy, or orthopaedic specialist coverage
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Bringing your Medicare card and private health insurance details to your consultation
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Consulting with our team for precise rebate information, especially if you have DVA or WorkCover coverage
We are committed to transparent pricing and we will provide a comprehensive breakdown of potential costs and rebates during your initial consultation. For patients with eligible Medicare, DVA, WorkCover and/or private health insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can be significantly reduced.
