James C. Cassandra, DO
Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon
Broken Wrist
(Distal Radius/Scaphoid Fractures)
What is a broken wrist, and how is it treated?
What Is a Broken Wrist?
The bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) extend to the carpal bones in the wrist, creating the wrist joint. The larger of these two bones, known as the distal radius, is the bone most often affected by a wrist fracture.
This injury is most often caused by a high impact or a fall onto an outstretched hand.
Although most wrist fractures occur in the distal radius, the fracture itself can have many variations including:
Intra-articular fracture – A fracture that extends into the wrist joint.
Extra-articular fracture – A fracture that does not extend into the joint.
Open fracture – When a fractured bone breaks the skin. These types of fractures require immediate medical attention because of the risk of infection.
Comminuted fracture – When a bone is broken into more than two pieces.
Patients who sustain a wrist fracture may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain on the other side of the wrist
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty bearing weight
- A visible deformity in the wrist
At OrthoNeuro, our Board Certified Hand and Wrist Specialists have helped thousands of patients with wrist fractures live active and healthy lives using the latest non-surgical options.
Treatment Options for a Broken Wrist
The treatment options for wrist fractures are based on the location of the fracture as well as what type of fracture has been sustained.
Your OrthoNeuro Specialist will determine what treatment options are best for you based on X-Rays and the severity of symptoms.
At OrthoNeuro non-surgical treatment options may include:
- Rest
- Bracing
- A soft or solid cast
- Physical Therapy
In the instance that the fracture is severe or is causing instability in the wrist, your OrthoNeuro Specialist may recommend a surgical procedure to fix the fracture.
During the procedure:
- The distal radius and any other bones within the wrist are placed back into the correct alignment.
- Small plates and screws are used to keep the bones in place while the fracture(s) heal.
Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Specialist Today!
If you have been experiencing the symptoms of a broken wrist, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus.
Best of all, most patients can be seen within 24 hours of making an appointment.
Related Services
Elbow
Hand & Wrist
- Arthritis of the Hand, Wrist & Thumb
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Finger Sprains
- Broken Wrist
- Wrist Sprain
- Wrist Tendonitis
- Ganglion Cyst
- Trigger Finger Syndrome
- Dupuytren’s Contracture
- De Quervain’s Tendinosis
- Hand Tendon Repair
- Basal Joint Surgery
- Hand Arthroplasty
- Wrist Arthroscopy
- Closed Reduction-Internal Fixation
- Mallet Finger
Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Specialists
YOU USE YOUR HANDS, WRISTS, AND ELBOWS ALL THE TIME. DON’T LET PAIN INTERFERE WITH YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE OR INDEPENDENCE. CALL ORTHONEURO TODAY OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE IF YOU HAVE PERSISTENT PAIN IN YOUR HAND, WRIST, OR ELBOW THAT LIMITS YOUR MOVEMENT OR INDEPENDENCE.
Gary M. Millard, DO
Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon
Scott P. Stephens, MD
Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon
Desmond J. Stutzman, DO
Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon
“I love this group of Doctors. They have specialists to cover what ever part of the body is in need of treatment. Every doctor i have seen in this practice have had a very good bedside manner and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this practice for all your orthopedic and neurological needs”
Teresa H.
Patient
