Wrist fracture is a very common accident favored by physical activity in the young and by osteoporosis in the elderly.
Although there are other bones in the wrist that can be injured, such as the scaphoid, the fracture usually affects the distal portion of the forearm. doctor who first described it).
The radius is the thickest bone in the forearm and is located on the inside, on the same side as the thumb.
Often the cause of the fracture is a fall during which one protects oneself from the impact with the ground with one hand. The whole weight of the body thus comes to weigh on the wrist causing the fracture. The elderly are more prone to this type of injury due to bone fragility linked to old age (osteoporosis). In young people, however, the fracture of the wrist is often caused by trauma suffered during sports such as motorcycling, horse riding, rugby. , wrestling or skiing.
After suffering a wrist fracture it is important to immobilize the joint, wash the wound with physiological solution (if the fracture is exposed), cover with sterile gauze and wait for help to arrive.
Symptoms of a wrist fracture
local swelling and tenderness
the pain appears or is accentuated with the movements of the wrist
sometimes there is some joint deformity
In less severe cases, pain and swelling are reduced. The wrist fracture can therefore be confused with a simple sprain; it is therefore recommended to perform an x-ray examination even if the symptoms are not accentuated.
If x-rays show a wrist fracture, it will be carefully reviewed to assess the position and stability of the bone fragments. Based on the results of the radiographic examination, possibly supported by a CT scan or an MRI, the most appropriate treatment to cure the fracture will be decided.
Care and treatment
In addition to the radiographic aspect, it is important to evaluate other factors such as the age, the dominance of the limb and the sports / work activity of the patient. Based on all these elements, the doctor will decide whether to opt for a conservative treatment or for surgery:
in most cases a conservative approach is chosen as the wrist responds very well to this type of treatment. The doctor can push the ends of the bone back into place, reducing the fracture; this is obviously a "delicate operation that is the sole responsibility of a competent doctor and which is often performed with the patient under sedation; once repositioned, the two bone heads will be kept in place by a cast or brace for a period of approximately 4-5 weeks
surgical treatment is reserved for more severe fractures, for example when the fractures are exposed (the bone pierces the skin), many bone fragments are present, or when the reduction is not stable. The operation has the great advantage of stabilizing the fracture facilitating consolidation, healing and functional recovery. For this reason, surgery is indicated above all in young subjects, both for sporting needs and to remove the risk of long-term complications.
In most cases, the patient fully recovers joint function after a wrist fracture. However, in some particular situations, problems such as stiffness and slight limitation of movements may arise. Osteoarthritis can affect the wrist years later, especially if the fracture has affected the articular surfaces (radio-carpal or distal radio-ulnar joint).
