A common orthopaedic injury, a broken wrist is frequently seen both among athletes and the general population. The term broken wrist usually refers to a fracture of the radius (one of two forearm bones), although there are other types of broken bones that can occur in this region.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the area
- Swelling
- Deformity around the joint
In the presence of these symptoms, a doctor will want obtain x-rays of the injured area in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
The usual treatment for a fracture in this area is to use a cast. This area of the body responds well to cast treatment.
With more complicated injuries, some form of surgery may be needed. The most basic form of this is what is termed 'reducing' a fracture - here the doctor will put the bones back into proper position, typically with the patient under either light sedation or local anaesthetic.
Alternatively, the doctor may determine that further surgery is needed. This will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Age of the patient
- Physical demands on the joint
- Bone quality
- Location of the fracture
- Degree of displacement of the fracture
