Wrist Fracture

The wrist is made of 8 small bones that connect with the 2 long forearm bones, called the radius and the ulna. While a broken wrist can happen with a fracture to any of these 10 bones, the most common bone to break is the radius. This is called distal radius fracture (For more information see Distal Radius Fracture).

The UofL Health – Hand Care team will do a physical examination and obtain x-rays. Sometimes an MRI or CT scan may be needed to get better detail of the extent of the injury. Ligaments (soft tissues that hold bones together), tendons, muscles and nerves may also be injured and will need treatment too.

Non-displaced fractures in which bones do not move out of place are referred to as “stable.” Some breaks are displaced and will need to be moved back in place (called reduction or setting), can also be stable enough to treat with a splint or cast. Some wrist fractures are unstable and the bones can move or shift even when put back into place.

There are more severe fractures that break apart or shatter into many pieces. These types of fractures often require surgery to restore and hold their alignment. An open fracture occurs when a fragment of bone breaks through the skin.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact us at 502-561-4263 or 1-800-477-4263. To request an appointment online, use our Appointment Request Form.