The vital role that
our hands play in daily life is often times only fully understood when we lose
use of one or both as a result of an injury.
The wrist joint is particularly vulnerable because of its range of motion
and location - involved in lifting, twisting, hammering, blocking a blow and
softening the impact of a fall. As a
result, wrist fractures are among the most common fractures of the hand and
upper extremity.
Some of the most
common types of wrist fractures include:
Each of these fractures
has their own unique challenge, which is why it is important that wrist
fractures are treated by a hand and wrist specialist who understands the
delicate bones of the hand and wrist, the blood supply to these bones and the
intricate network of ligaments, tendons and nerves. The wrong treatment, or lack of treatment, could result in long
term damage to the joint and decreased hand function.
Distal Radius
Fractures
A distal radius
fracture is one of the most common types of wrist fractures. It is named for the location of the break
and bone it affects - the distal end of the larger forearm bone known as the
radius. This type of fracture should be
carefully examined to determine if the fracture extends into the wrist joint
(intra articular fracture) or does not impact the wrist joint (extra articular
fracture). The type of fracture will
determine the type of treatment.
Scaphoid
Fractures
A scaphoid fracture
is a fracture of the scaphoid bone in the wrist, located at the thumb
side. These types of fractures require
special attention, as the blood supply for the scaphoid bone enters from the
top and most fractures occur in the middle or bottom portion. This compromises the blood supply and can
impede healing. Ensuring its stability is essential in preserving the integrity
of the wrist joint and avoiding
avascular necrosis.
The treatment for
these types of wrist fractures will depend on the severity of the fracture and
other soft tissue damage. Treatment
will also be based on other aspects of a patients overall health and level of
activity. Ensuring the proper alignment
and healing of the fracture is important in avoiding future problems in the
hand and wrist.
All treatment is followed by hand therapy and rehabilitation exercises to ensure that there is no loss in arm strength and function. The goal of Dr. Collins and his hand and upper extremity support staff is to return patients to their daily lives quickly and as strong as they were before the injury.
