Broken Bones in the Hand and Wrist

WHAT ARE HAND AND WRIST BROKEN BONES?

Whether you have been told your hand or wrist bone is “broken”, “compound”, “hairline”, “greenstick”, “buckled”, “cracked”, “chipped”, “split”, “shattered”, or “splintered”, the medical term is called a fracture of the bone. Fractures are very common in the hand and wrist, usually due to an acute injury.

Falls onto an outstretched hand and wrist are among the most common mechanisms of hand and wrist fracture.

CAUSES

Most fractures are caused by injuries that involve significant force (falls, automobile accidents, sports/work accidents), but even seemingly minor injuries can sometimes cause a fracture of the small bones of the hand and wrist.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

· Pain, swelling, stiffness

· Bruising

· Clicking or popping

· Deformity

IS THERE A TEST FOR HAND AND WRIST FRACTURES?

Your symptoms and medical history as well as an examination of your hand and wrist can help to diagnose fractures, but X-ray is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes MRI or CT scan is helpful if the fracture cannot be seen well on X-ray.

TREATMENT

Treatment for fractures varies widely depending on the location and severity of the fracture. Many fractures in the hand and wrist can be treated nonoperatively with casting or splinting. Some fractures require operative treatment to set the bone straight and hold it in position for healing.

READY TO CONFIRM A DIAGNOSIS AND FIX THE PROBLEM OR JUST WANT TO LEARN MORE?

I am here to help! I can often diagnose the problem in one visit, and get you started with a treatment plan. I offer a wide variety of both nonoperative and operative treatment options.

Call Hand Institute of Charleston today for a clinic or telehealth appointment! 854-423-4263

This article is not a substitute for in-person medical advice or diagnosis and is for educational purposes only.