Definition

A wrist fracture is a break in one or more of the bones [2] in the wrist. The wrist is made up of the two bones [2] in the forearm (radius and ulna) and eight carpal bones [2]. The carpal bones [2] connect the end of the forearm bones [2] with the bases of the fingers.

The two most common wrist fractures are:

Colles' fracture—A break near the end of the radius, an arm bone [2] that forms part of the wrist joint. This fracture is common in older people, and much less common in children and adolescents.

Scaphoid fracture—A break in the scaphoid, a bone [2] located on the thumb side of the wrist where it meets the radius. This fracture is most common in young, active people. The scaphoid bone [2] is also sometimes called the navicular.

Causes

A wrist fracture is caused by trauma to the bones [2] in the wrist. Trauma may be caused by:

• Falling on an outstretched arm
• Direct blow to the wrist
• Severe twist of the wrist

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition, or injury.

Risk factors include:

• For Colles' Fracture:
  
  • Advancing age
  • Postmenopause
  • Decreased muscle [2] mass
  • Osteoporosis [3]
  • Poor nutrition [4]

• For Scaphoid Fracture:
  
  • Participating in contact sports, such as football or soccer
  • Participating in activities, such as inline skating, skateboarding, or bike riding
  • Participating in any activity which could cause you to fall on your outstretched hand

• For either:
  
  • Violence or high-velocity trauma such as an automobile accident

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Pain
• Swelling and tenderness around the wrist
• Bruising around the wrist
• Limited range of wrist or thumb motion
• Visible deformity in the wrist

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred, and will examine the injured area.

Tests may include:

• X-rays—to look for a break in the wrist bones [2]
• MRI scan [5] (rarely)—a test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio wave to detect a hidden scaphoid fracture
• CT scan [6] (rarely)—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to detect unusual small fractures or dislocations of the wrist bones [2]

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Treatment involves:

• Putting the pieces of the bone [2] together, which may require anesthesia and/or surgery
• Keeping the pieces together while the bone [2] heals itself

Devices that may be used to hold the bone [2] in place while it heals include:

• A cast (may be used with or without surgery)
• A metal plate with screws (requires surgery)
• Screws alone (requires surgery)
• Metal pins that cross the bone [2], with a metal splint on the outside of the wrist that holds the pins and the fractured bone [2] in place (requires surgery)

The doctor may prescribe pain [7] medication depending upon the level of pain [7]. Your doctor will order more x-rays while the bone [2] heals to ensure that the bones [2] have not shifted position.

Prevention

To help prevent a wrist fracture:

• Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the wrist bones [2].
• Eat a diet rich in calcium [9] and vitamin D [10] .
• Build strong muscles [2] to prevent falls and stay agile.
• Wear proper padding and safety equipment when participating in sports or activities.