Fractures of the wrist
The wrist is the most commonly fractured part of the upper limb, usually after a fall onto the outstretched hand. The two most important injuries are:
- Distal radius fractures — a break of the main forearm bone at the wrist
- Scaphoid fractures — a break of the small scaphoid bone, which has a vulnerable blood supply and a tendency not to heal if missed
How are wrist fractures treated?
Treatment depends on the fracture pattern, how displaced it is, and your activity demands.
Non-surgical
Undisplaced or stable fractures are usually treated in a cast or splint, with X-rays along the way to confirm the bone is healing in a good position.
Surgical fixation
Surgery is recommended when the fracture is displaced, unstable, or involves the joint surface. Modern fixation usually involves a low-profile plate and screws through an incision on the front of the wrist, restoring the normal anatomy and allowing early movement — often within days rather than weeks in a cast.
Scaphoid fractures that are displaced (or that have failed to heal — a scaphoid non-union) may be fixed with a small headless screw, sometimes with bone grafting.
Recovery
- Most patients begin gentle movement early after plate fixation
- Hand therapy guides the return of motion, strength and confidence
- Return to driving is typically around 4–6 weeks; heavy manual loading later
- Follow-up X-rays confirm healing
Why timely assessment matters
Wrist fractures that heal in a poor position can cause lasting stiffness, weakness and arthritis, and a missed scaphoid fracture can collapse over years. If you have ongoing wrist pain after a fall — even with “normal” initial X-rays — a specialist review is worthwhile.