# Broken Wrist

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/broken-wrist/
- Published: 2019-01-17T20:15:29-05:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

# Broken Wrist

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### Broken Wrist Overview

The distal radius and scaphoid are two important wrist bones. A broken wrist happens
when either of the bones is fractured. A broken wrist is a serious injury that requires
medical attention. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical 
Associates’ (CONA) should be made as soon as possible.

## **Symptoms & Causes**

Broken wrist symptoms include:

 * Bruising
 * Pain
 * Swelling
 * Tenderness

Common broken wrist causes include:

 * A fall on an outstretched hand
 * Boardsports injuries
 * Contact sports injuries
 * Skating sports injuries
 * Motor vehicle accidents

## **Common Treatments:**

Nonsurgical treatment options treat wrist fractures when the bone is not displaced.
After a thorough evaluation, a CONA hand specialist may recommend:

 * Immobilization in a cast, splint or brace
 * Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
 * Hand therapy (after immobilization)

Surgery may be recommended to treat fractures when the bone is displaced. A CONA
specialist reduces and fixates the fracture with pins or a small plate and screws.

## **Diagnosis:**

X-rays are an important part of a broken wrist diagnosis. A CONA specialist orders
and analyzes wrist x-rays from the front, back, and side views to diagnose and classify
the fracture. The patient’s medical history is obtained and if possible, a physical
examination of the wrist is performed.