The wrist joint is one of the most complex joints in the body, consisting of the lower end of the two forearm bones, 8 small wrist bones and 15 bones formed by the bases of the metatarsal bones in the hand, and many articular surfaces between them. Due to this complex and complicated structure, the wrist joint has an extremely wide range of motion in the 3-dimensional plane.

What is the mechanism of Wrist Fractures?

In wrist fractures, a fracture can occur in any of these bones, generally result from fall on an outstretched hand. Comminuted and serious fractures can occur in traumas caused by high energy such as traffic accidents or falling from a height. Osteoporosis seen in advanced ages causes fractures with low-energy simple traumas.

What are the Symptoms of Wrist Fractures?

We can understand when a fracture occurs after trauma, when there is swelling around the wrist, pain, difficulty and limitation in the use of the wrist and hand. The wrist is usually deformed. Some fractures are simpler, non-displaced; some fractures may be very fragmented, displaced and fragmented in such a way as to cause deformity.

Fractures involving the joint surface and causing irregularity in the joint line have properties that will adversely affect the future of the joint. If the fracture occurred with high energy and caused open wounds, it may cause many complications including infection and osteomyelitis.

Treatment of Wrist Fractures

Treatment of a wrist fracture depends on the location, severity and type of fracture. Treatment differs according to the degree of fracture displacement. In addition, the patient's age, general health status, whether the fractured side has a dominant hand and the level of activity in his/her work and social life should be questioned. Conditions such as the presence of other injuries and the presence of other disorders such as arthrosis in the wrist joint are also taken into consideration when planning the treatment.

If the fracture is not displaced or can remain in place after correction, it can be treated with a cast or splint.

If the fracture is displaced and cannot be reduced, or if it is very fragmented, extending into the joint line, surgical treatment may be required.

In the surgical treatment of wrist fractures, implants such as nails, wires, screws, plates or external fixators can be used as fixation after the fracture is reduced and the normal anatomical structure is established. In high-energy wrist fractures (traumas) that are very fragmented, crushed or with bone loss, there may be bone deficiencies in the structure after the fracture is corrected. In such cases, different bone grafts may be required. In this case, either bone is taken from another part of the body and deficiencies are eliminated or different bone grafts or bone-like products are used.

Depending on the type of injury, cast and splint fixation can be performed between 2 weeks and 6 weeks after the operation. Generally, after weekly follow-ups, full motion and strength of the hand and arm are regained with the help of physical therapy methods.