Expert Targeted Care for Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures are among the most frequent bone injuries, often resulting from falls, contact sports, or other accidents that place sudden force on the wrist joint. When a wrist fracture occurs, it typically involves the distal radius – the larger of the two bones in the distal forearm – or rarely, any of the wrist’s eight small carpal bones, and ulna head and styloid. This type of injury can significantly impact wrist function, causing pain and limited movement if not treated effectively.
At UK Hand & Wrist Surgery, we provide specialised wrist fracture surgery, addressing each unique fracture with a surgical approach designed to support proper healing and restore full function. Led by Specialist Wrist Surgeon Mr Patrick Goon, our team utilises advanced techniques and personalised treatment plans to achieve effective recovery.
Types of Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures can vary in type and severity, each requiring a unique treatment approach. Some of the most common wrist fractures include:
- Distal Radius Fractures: The most frequent type of wrist fracture, where the radius bone near the wrist joint is broken, often referred to as a Colles fracture if the wrist bends backwards.
- Comminuted Fractures: These involve a break that shatters the bone into multiple pieces, typically requiring more complex treatment options.
- Open Fractures: A severe form where the broken bone punctures the skin, increasing the risk of infection and often requiring immediate surgery.
- Displaced Fractures: These fractures cause bone fragments to shift out of alignment, requiring either closed reduction or surgical intervention to restore proper position.
Each of these injuries presents specific challenges and impacts wrist bones and soft tissues differently. An accurate diagnosis is essential to develop an effective treatment plan.
Symptoms of Wrist Fractures
Recognising the symptoms of a wrist fracture is vital to ensure timely treatment. Typical signs include:
- Immediate Pain: Sudden, intense pain at the time the fracture happened, particularly when trying to move the wrist.
- Swelling and Bruising: The wrist area may swell and bruise, signalling damage to the underlying wrist joint and soft tissues.
- Bent Wrist: If the wrist appears visibly bent or deformed, it may indicate a displaced fracture or broken wrist.
- Limited Movement: Difficulty or inability to move the wrist and fingers due to pain or structural misalignment.
These symptoms indicate a need for prompt evaluation at a fracture clinic to prevent further damage.
Wrist fracture surgery is often required to realign and stabilise the bones following a severe wrist injury.
Diagnosing Wrist Fractures
Effective treatment for a broken wrist begins with a thorough diagnosis. At UK Hand & Wrist Surgery, our approach includes:
- Physical Examination: Evaluate the wrist joint and hand to detect any visible signs of bone displacement or swelling.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays are commonly used to identify the fracture location and type. In more complex cases, such as comminuted fractures, MRI or CT scans may provide further detail.
- Specialist Consultation: Assessing for potential complications, such as complex regional pain syndrome or nerve involvement, helps determine the best course of treatment.
This comprehensive approach ensures that every detail of the injury is understood, allowing for a tailored treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Wrist Fractures
The choice of treatment depends on the nature and severity of the wrist fracture. Options range from non-surgical to surgical solutions.
Non-Surgical Treatments
In cases of minor or stable fractures, non-surgical methods may be effective. Common approaches include:
- Cast or Splint: Immobilisation is often used to hold the wrist in place while the bone heals naturally.
- Closed Reduction: For displaced fractures, a procedure known as closed reduction may realign the bones without the need for surgery.
Surgical Treatments
Certain fractures, especially those involving significant displacement or an open fracture, may require surgery to ensure proper alignment and healing:
- Bone Graft: In cases where bone healing is compromised, a graft may be used to aid in repairing the fracture.
- External Fixation: This technique stabilises the broken bone externally with a frame, typically used for severe or complex fractures.
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): Involves using screws or plates to hold the broken bones in place, commonly performed for complex distal radius fractures.
Each of these surgical methods is chosen based on the patient’s individual needs, aiming to promote full recovery and maintain wrist function.
Recovery after wrist fracture surgery includes physical therapy to rebuild strength and improve wrist flexibility.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following wrist fracture surgery, a comprehensive recovery plan is essential. Typical steps include:
- Immobilisation and Rest: Continued use of a cast or splint may be recommended initially to protect the fracture site as it heals.
- Applying Ice: Ice application can help reduce swelling and manage pain, especially during the initial healing process.
- Physical Therapy: Gradual exercises are introduced to restore wrist mobility and strength, enhancing the overall healing process and helping to prevent conditions like complex regional pain syndrome.
- Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ups monitor bone healing and address any post-surgical concerns, ensuring the wrist heals effectively.
This aftercare strategy aids in regaining strength, flexibility and mobility in the wrist while reducing the risk of complications.
Why Choose UK Hand & Wrist Surgery
for Wrist Fracture Treatment?
At UK Hand & Wrist Surgery, our patients receive specialised care led by Mr Patrick Goon, whose expertise in wrist fracture treatment ensures high standards and personalised care. We offer a range of treatment options, tailored to each patient’s specific wrist fracture and recovery needs, from managing stable fractures with a cast or splint to addressing displaced fractures through advanced surgical methods.
Our focus on detailed assessment and customised care ensures that each patient has the best opportunity for a full recovery, restoring wrist function and strength. Whether dealing with a complex intra-articular fracture or a simple broken wrist, our team is dedicated to helping patients.
Meet Mr Patrick Goon
Mr Goon, a highly trained Specialist Hand Surgeon, leads our clinic with expertise and a commitment to excellence in care. His experience spans a range of simple to complex procedures, from carpal tunnel release to wrist joint replacements and tendon repair. His focus on minimally invasive techniques supports optimal recovery and reduces post-operative discomfort, ensuring patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Find out more
Book an Appointment with Mr Goon
If you are suffering from a hand or wrist problem, please use the online form to contact us and arrange an appointment with Mr Goon. Alternatively, you can call us on 01707 443 444 or email us at Enquiries@hertfordshirehandsurgery.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a distal radius fracture?
A distal radius fracture refers to a break in the radius bone near the wrist. Commonest type is a Colles’ fracture, it is one of the most common wrist fractures, typically resulting from a fall or direct impact.
Are there risk factors that increase the likelihood of wrist fractures?
Yes, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of wrist fractures, including osteoporosis, advanced age and engaging in contact sports or activities with a high risk of falls.
Why do many wrist fractures require specific treatment plans?
Since there are many wrist fractures with varying complexities, each case may need tailored treatment to ensure the bone and surrounding soft tissue heal effectively.
How long does it take for a wrist fracture to heal?
The time it takes for a wrist fracture to heal can vary, but most fractures heal within six to twelve weeks, depending on factors such as injury severity and treatment.
When is further treatment necessary after a wrist fracture?
Further treatment may be required if the wrist does not regain full function or if complications arise during the healing process. This may involve additional therapies or, in some cases, corrective surgery.
When there has been a delay in presentation and the fracture has already healed or been treated elsewhere, and there continues to be pain?
Due to lack of or inadequate previous treatment, the fracture may have already healed but is malaligned. This is referred to as a malunion. Symptoms of pain and movement restriction may persist or develop as a result. Specific problems may be present including wrist instability (may present as clunking), ulna abutment syndrome, distal radius ulna joint (DRUJ) instability, etc.
What Our Patients Say
Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
5th July 2024
I managed to dislocate one knuckle and badly break another knuckle in the same finger into multiple pieces, an injury which every Healthcare Professional that saw the X-ray told me was not only severe damage but also a particularly rare injury. Mr Goon and his team screwed the knuckle back together, which was particularly fiddly given the multiple small pieces.
After the operation I was given a number of exercises which were progressively added to over a series of regular appointments, both with Mr Goon and multiple Hand Therapists, to check and monitor my progress. I followed their instructions as closely as I could, both in frequency of exercising and how far to push the injury (I did want to actually recover fully after all, so why would I have not listened to the experts!), even though this was sometimes inconvenient or sore.
I’m delighted to say that I now have full use and movement of the finger and a scar which is unnoticeable unless you look very closely for it. Mr Goon and his team are all a credit to the NHS, not only due to their expertise, but all kept a very friendly and positive attitude at all times not just about the potential recovery but also with their general demeanor, were always supportive and happy to answer any question I had, even if I was worried they may have been obvious answers, and were always clear about the next steps I needed to take.
It’s also worth mentioning for anyone that may be critical of the NHS which is clearly currently under intense pressure based on the number of patients in the Hospital ever time I went in, I sustained the injury on a Wednesday evening, had the dislocation sorted at a Hospital walk-in clinic within 1.5 hours and had met the surgeon, gone through the options and procedure and was in surgery by Saturday morning. Mr Goon even came to see me himself and tell me how the procedure had gone as soon as I was fully awake. This shows what an amazing service the NHS actually provides, and I didn’t have to pay a penny.
The whole experience has far exceeded my expectations and I can only thank Mr Goon and his entire team for the amazing work that they have done to ensure my full recovery.
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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
3rd October 2024
I had an accident at work that led to part of my finger being cut off. Mr. Goon has been treating me, and thanks to his skill, I’ve actually got that part of my finger back, including the nail. Honestly didn’t think that’d be possible, especially not so soon. I’m really grateful to have had such a great doctor during such a rough time. It couldn’t have gone better. Joe Efford
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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
10th October 2024
I saw Dr Goon following an accident with a horse which resulted in numerous breakages in my thumb. Having had numerous visits and having experienced terrible pain I was not sure if Doctor Goon could help. How wrong I was, he was extremely good in every aspect of his work getting my pain under control pretty quickly. He reassured me, listening to my concerns and always made me feel completely at ease. He has a very positive attitude at all times with every visit exceeding my expectations. I will require further surgery but I am not concerned as I cannot fault the care from Mr Goon and his great team to date. I know I will be in safe hands. He is indeed “The Miracle Man”.
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