A broken wrist, which is a fracture in one of the radius, ulna, or carpal bones, does not properly heal on its own without medical guidance. While the body initiates a healing response, functional recovery requires the bones to be correctly aligned and immobilized. Without professional intervention, the resulting structure is highly unlikely to be aligned correctly, leading to significant long-term problems. The radius, the forearm’s main weight-bearing bone, is the most frequently fractured bone near the wrist joint, and its proper healing is paramount for maintaining hand and wrist function.
Why Medical Intervention is Essential
Attempting to let a wrist fracture mend without professional medical care carries severe risks that threaten the long-term use and comfort of the hand. One common complication is malunion, where the bone fragments fuse in a misaligned or deformed position. This improper alignment can lead to persistent pain, noticeable deformity, and a reduced range of motion, making everyday tasks difficult.
If the bone fails to heal at all, a condition known as nonunion occurs, causing chronic pain and instability. Fractures involving the joint surface, if not perfectly realigned, increase the likelihood of developing post-traumatic arthritis years later due to uneven joint loading. Furthermore, an untreated fracture can damage nearby nerves and blood vessels, potentially leading to numbness, tingling, circulation problems, or permanent loss of function in the hand. Early intervention drastically reduces the risk of these debilitating outcomes.
Identifying the Severity of the Break
Not all wrist fractures are the same, and a professional assessment is necessary to determine the specific injury and required treatment plan. Doctors classify the injury based on stability (unlikely to shift) or instability (displacement probable). They also distinguish between non-displaced fractures, where the bone pieces remain generally aligned, and displaced fractures, where the fragments have shifted out of their normal position.
An open, or compound, fracture is the most serious classification, involving a break in the skin that exposes the bone and carries a high risk of infection. Closed fractures, conversely, do not break the skin. X-rays are the primary diagnostic tool used to confirm the fracture, assess the degree of displacement, and determine if the break extends into the joint, informing the course of action needed for repair.
Standard Medical Treatments
Once a fracture is accurately diagnosed, treatment generally falls into two broad categories: non-surgical and surgical management. Non-surgical treatment is typically reserved for stable, non-displaced fractures that are in acceptable alignment. This approach involves immobilization with a cast or splint, often for four to six weeks, to hold the bone fragments steady while new bone tissue forms.
For displaced fractures, a procedure called closed reduction may be performed, involving a doctor manually manipulating the bone fragments back into proper alignment without an incision, followed by casting. When the fracture is complex, severely displaced, or involves the joint surface, surgery is often necessary. This surgical approach, known as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), involves making an incision to realign the fragments and securing them with hardware such as plates, screws, or pins.
The Path to Full Recovery
After the initial treatment, the patient enters the recovery phase, involving a gradual return to normal function. Immobilization typically lasts four to six weeks, but the total time until a return to light activities is often around four to six weeks, with heavier tasks taking eight to twelve weeks. The duration of recovery is highly dependent on the fracture’s severity, the patient’s age, and overall health.
Physical therapy (PT) is an important step following the removal of a cast or splint, or after the initial post-operative period. Therapy focuses on regaining the full range of motion, reducing stiffness, and restoring muscle strength lost during immobilization. Commitment to the prescribed PT regimen is a major factor in achieving a complete recovery and avoiding long-term stiffness or weakness.