Wrist fracture

A wrist fracture is a break in one or more bones of the wrist. The most common is a distal radius fracture — a break near the end of the larger forearm bone, often from falling onto an outstretched hand. Bones weakened by osteoporosis break more easily.

• Pain and swelling after a fall or injury
• Bruising
• Difficulty moving the wrist or gripping
• A wrist that looks bent or deformed
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers

X-rays confirm the fracture and show its pattern; a CT scan is sometimes used for complex breaks. Wrist pain after a fall should be checked even if the wrist does not look deformed, because a break in a small wrist bone called the scaphoid may not show on the first X-rays.

Many wrist fractures are treated without surgery. If the bone is out of place, it may be gently realigned (reduced), then held in a splint or cast while it heals, with follow-up X-rays to confirm it stays in position.

Surgery may be recommended when the fracture is significantly displaced or unstable, involves the joint surface, or cannot be held in good position with a cast. The bones are commonly fixed with a plate and screws or with pins. After either treatment, hand therapy helps restore motion and strength. Because a wrist fracture from a simple fall can be a sign of weakened bones, your clinician may also recommend a bone health evaluation.