The Different Types of Wrist, Elbow and Hand Fractures

The Different Types of Wrist, Elbow and Hand Fractures

There are different types of wrist, elbow and hand fractures. The breaking of the bone in the wrist, elbow, or hand can cause a fracture.

Let us have a look at the types of wrist, elbow and hand fractures.

Scaphoid Fracture

When a patient falls, they have a chance of developing a scaphoid fracture. The scaphoid fracture does not usually involve any visible impact. However, the patient may have swelling and pain. Sometimes, the patient may believe that they have sprained their wrist. A non-displaced fracture can be easily treated using a cast. The cast ensures immobility of the thumb, hand, and forearm. Surgery becomes necessary if the injury results in displaced scaphoid fracture.

Pediatric Extremity Fracture

The pediatric extremity fracture is common in the children. The pediatric extremity fracture can occur to one or several bones. A child suffering from pediatric extremity fracture is kept under observation. The orthopedic doctor decides the recovery time required for full recovery from the fracture. The orthopedic doctor also checks if the child has suffered from no growth injury. Some of the complications caused by pediatric extremity fractures include infection, incomplete healing, and no growth plate injury.

Finger Fracture

The breaking of one or more finger bones is known as finger fracture. Some finger fractures are displaced while others are non-displaced. Common symptoms of a finger fracture include having difficulty moving the finger, deformity of the injured finger, and swelling or pain. The orthopedic physician may advise the use of small tape strip onto the injured finger to keep it together. The Sioux Falls orthopedic doctor discusses details of the finger injury with their patients to determine the type of treatment required.

Elbow Fracture

Elbow fracture is a common injury in adults. Symptoms of elbow injury include a decrease in range of motions, fingers numbness, pain in the elbow, swelling, and tenderness. If you have elbow pain, you must immediately get in touch with your doctor for a correct and timely diagnosis. The treatment of elbow fracture varies from patient to patient. Common ways of treating elbow fracture include the use of casts or splints and metal plates with screws. The physician also guides the patients to do certain exercises to keep their elbow moving.

Distal Radial Fracture

The fracturing of the distal end near the wrist can cause a distal radial fracture. Distal radial fracture occurs when a patient falls on their outstretched hand. Common symptoms of a distal radial fracture include difficulty in moving the wrist, swelling or tenderness, and crooked appearance of the wrist. If the alignment of the bone ends is intact, the doctor will use a brace to align the wrist. The immobilization of the wrist facilitates healing of the wrist.

Colles Fracture

A Colles fracture occurs when bones in the forearm break above wrist area. The Colles fracture occurs when a person falling on the ground tries to protect themselves by extending their hands and arms. The doctor mostly uses a cast to immobilize wrist and arm. The doctor recommends a surgery when the fracture becomes severe.

Boxer’s Fracture

Boxer’s fracture occurs at the end of the bone nearest to little finger’s knuckle. As the name suggest, hard punching can cause the boxer’s fracture. Common symptoms of boxer’s fracture include difficulty in moving the little finger, flattened appearance of little finger’s knuckle, pain or tenderness, and bruising in hand. In most cases of boxer’s fracture, the doctor recommends the use of a cast to stabilize the fracture. In the event of a severe boxer’s fracture, the doctor may advise the use of reduction procedure to first align the little finger’s knuckle before aligning it to its place.