Trauma and fractures to the hands are usually caused by falls, sports injuries and accidents. People such as athletes and patients with bone conditions are the most prone to experience hand injuries and fractures in the wrists.
When a person suffers a wrist fracture, we must treat it as quickly as possible; otherwise, complications may arise, such as improper bone alignment. This could lead to difficulty in performing daily tasks, restricted movements and even recurring pain.
Any bone in the hand can suffer a fracture. If is not treated properly, you have a higher risk of complications such as severe injuries to the soft tissues of the hand, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Diagnosis and treatment
In general, the diagnosis of injuries and fractures in hands and wrists requires a physical examination and diagnostic imaging tests. Initially, X-rays will be necessary; however, depending on the severity of the injury, a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be needed.
Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. It can range from realigning the pieces for subsequent immobilization and the use of pain relievers to wrist and hand surgery performed by a specialist hand traumatologist. In surgery, nails, rods, plates, or screws may need to be implanted to keep the bones in place until they heal.