Wrist Fracture Fixation: Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Options
To help you discuss wrist fracture fixation surgery as a treatment option for your wrist with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of this surgical procedure.
What Are Wrist Fractures?
Wrist fractures are breaks in any of the bones that form your wrist joint.
Wrist fractures may be caused by:falling on an outstretched arm, motor vehicular accidents, or direct blow to the wrist.
Symptoms of wrist fractures may include sudden, severe wrist pain,swelling and deformity of the wrist, loss of wrist motion, and numbness or altered sensation in the fingers.
What Is Wrist Fracture Fixation?
Wrist fracture fixation may be performed by non-surgical or surgical methods, depending on the severity of the fracture.
Nonsurgical Wrist Fracture Fixation
Immediate treatment for a wrist fracture will include splinting, icing the area, and pain medication to relieve symptoms. If the fractured ends of the bone are not displaced, external fixation by application of a cast or splint may be enough to treat the wrist fracture.
When the fractured ends are significantly displaced, surgery is necessary for wrist fracture fixation.
Surgical Wrist Fracture Fixation
Surgical treatment options include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), which involves the use of pins, plates, and screws to properly align the fractured ends and stabilize the fracture from the inside.
Another surgical option is open reduction and external fixation, which involves stabilizing the fracture from the outside by attaching a metal frame to surgical pins that pass through the skin to the fractured ends of the bone.
What Is the Recovery After Wrist Fracture Fixation?
Recovery time varies from person to person, but it usually takes several weeks for healing and a few months for complete functional recovery. Working with physical therapy and occupational therapy is very important to maximize strength and range of motion of your wrist.
If you have suffered severe wrist injury, or simply suspect your wrist is hurt and needs care, we can help.