A dislocated wrist occurs when one or more of the eight small carpal bones are forced out of their normal alignment, typically due to a traumatic event like a fall onto an outstretched hand. This displacement is almost always accompanied by damage to the ligaments that hold these bones in place, often involving the lunate and capitate bones. Recovery is a phased process, beginning with stabilizing the joint and concluding with the restoration of full strength and range of motion. The total time required for a return to normal activity ranges from a couple of months for less severe cases to a year for complex injuries requiring surgery.
Variables that Impact Healing Duration
The recovery timeline depends on several factors related to the injury and the patient’s overall health. The primary variable is the severity and complexity of the dislocation, specifically whether it is a simple misalignment or accompanied by associated injuries. Complex cases often involve fractures of the carpal or forearm bones, or extensive tears to major ligaments like the scapholunate or lunotriquetral ligaments. The patient’s age and general health also play a role, as younger, healthier individuals typically heal faster than older patients or those with underlying conditions. If the injury requires open surgical repair—often necessary to repair torn ligaments or stabilize fractures—the initial recovery timeline is extended compared to closed reduction methods. Treatment compliance is another element, as strictly adhering to the immobilization period and physical therapy prevents setbacks.
The Standard Healing Timeline: From Reduction to Immobilization
The healing process begins immediately after treatment, starting with reduction, a procedure to maneuver the displaced carpal bones back into position. This is followed by immobilization using a splint or cast to hold the joint stable and allow damaged soft tissues to heal. This initial phase, including reduction and immediate immobilization, lasts approximately the first few days to a week.
The subsequent phase is dedicated to structural healing, where the bones and ligaments stabilize while protected in the cast or brace. For dislocations treated with simple closed reduction, this immobilization period typically lasts between four to eight weeks. If the injury necessitated surgery to realign bones or repair torn ligaments, the initial immobilization time is often longer, sometimes extending to ten or twelve weeks. This period focuses on achieving structural integrity, but it does not equate to functional recovery or regained strength.
The Role of Rehabilitation in Achieving Full Recovery
Once the structural healing period is complete and the cast or splint is removed, the focus shifts to functional recovery through rehabilitation. The primary goals of this phase are to restore the wrist’s full range of motion, improve grip and forearm strength, and reduce stiffness resulting from immobilization. This stage often requires more time than the initial structural healing, as the joint must be retrained to move normally and support weight.
Functional recovery typically takes an additional two to six months following the end of immobilization, depending on the severity of the original injury and commitment to physical therapy. Rehabilitation involves progressive exercises, starting with gentle passive range of motion activities and gradually advancing to strengthening exercises using resistance. Returning to demanding activities, such as heavy lifting or sports, must be approached cautiously and is often delayed until the wrist has regained near-normal strength and stability. For high-energy injuries, patients may face a total recovery time stretching toward a full year before regaining pre-injury levels of function.