A broken wrist cannot heal properly without medical intervention. While the body begins a natural healing process, professional care is necessary to ensure bones align correctly. Without appropriate medical attention, a wrist fracture can lead to significant long-term complications and impaired function. Seeking timely medical evaluation is important for the best possible outcome.
Why Medical Care is Essential for Wrist Fractures
The wrist is a complex structure consisting of eight small carpal bones and the ends of the two forearm bones, the radius and ulna. For a broken bone to heal effectively, the fractured pieces need precise alignment and stability. If a fractured wrist is not properly reduced, the bone fragments may heal in an abnormal alignment. Without stability and correct positioning, this process can result in a weak or deformed union.
Precise alignment is important in the wrist due to its role in intricate hand movements and weight-bearing. The surfaces of the wrist bones form joints, and any misalignment can disrupt smooth motion and weight distribution. This can lead to issues with movement and discomfort, affecting daily activities. Proper medical care ensures fracture fragments are stabilized, often with a cast or other device, allowing the bone to knit together in a functional position.
Risks of Leaving a Broken Wrist Untreated
Leaving a broken wrist untreated can lead to several serious problems. One risk is malunion, where the bone heals in an incorrect or deformed position. This can result in a visibly crooked wrist, reduced range of motion, and persistent pain. Another complication is nonunion, which occurs when the bone fails to heal at all, leading to ongoing instability and pain. In some cases, fibrous tissue may form in the gap instead of solid bone.
Untreated fractures can also cause chronic pain, stiffness, and weakness in the hand and wrist. The altered mechanics of an improperly healed wrist can contribute to the early development of arthritis in the affected joint. Nerve or blood vessel damage can also occur if bone fragments continue to press on or irritate these structures. These complications can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, affecting their overall quality of life.
Recognizing a Possible Wrist Fracture
Several signs and symptoms indicate a possible wrist fracture, prompting immediate medical evaluation. Severe pain, especially when trying to move or grip objects, is a common indicator. Swelling around the wrist develops after the injury, often accompanied by bruising. The area may also be tender to the touch.
A visible deformity, such as a bent or crooked appearance of the wrist, is a strong sign of a fracture. Numbness or tingling in the fingers may also occur, suggesting nerve involvement. Even if the injury seems minor or the pain is not intense, any combination of these symptoms after a fall or direct impact warrants a visit to a medical professional for proper diagnosis.
How Wrist Fractures Are Treated
Once a wrist fracture is diagnosed through a physical examination and X-rays, medical professionals determine the suitable treatment approach. For fractures where the bone pieces are still in a good position, non-surgical options are used. This involves immobilizing the wrist with a cast or splint to allow the bone to heal. The cast helps keep the bone fragments stable and aligned during the healing process.
If the bone fragments are displaced or misaligned, a procedure called reduction is performed to realign them. This can be done non-surgically, where the doctor manually manipulates the bones back into place. More complex or unstable fractures may require surgical intervention. Surgery involves using internal fixation devices like plates, screws, or pins to hold the bone fragments securely in their correct position. Following immobilization or surgery, rehabilitation through physical therapy is recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and full function to the wrist.