Wrist and hand fractures can cause significant problems in the functionality of the area if not treated properly, especially if the incident is complex or involves the surface of the joint. Osteosynthesis is usually the ideal solution for more severe wrist and hand fractures.
The wrist and hand are made up of a network of small bones that allow control of movement. The wrist includes the eight small carpal bones, while the hand consists of the metacarpals and phalanges. Fractures can occur in any of these bones and can vary considerably in severity and complexity.
What causes wrist and hand fractures?
Wrist and hand fractures can result from many factors. The most common of these are:
- Falls, e.g. in an outstretched arm, particularly in older adults whose bones have been weakened by conditions such as osteoporosis.
- Sports injuries, e.g. in contact sports or activities involving high-impact movements can lead to fractures, particularly in the metacarpals and phalanges.
- Direct injury, such as in car accidents, falls from height or workplace injuries.
- Rarely overuse injuries in athletes or workers who perform repetitive movements.
Symptoms of wrist and hand fractures
The symptoms that accompany wrist and hand fractures vary from patient to patient depending on the severity and location of the injury. Common symptoms include:
- Acute, severe pain at the fracture site, worsening with movement or pressure.
- Rapid swelling around the wrist or hand, often accompanied by visible bruising.
- In severe fractures, there may be visible deformity or misalignment of the bones.
- Difficulty moving the wrist, hand or fingers, along with a general stiffness in the affected area.
- Sensitivity to touch or pressure on the area.
The diagnosis of wrist and hand fractures usually involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT or MRI scans.
Treatment options for wrist and hand fractures
The choice of the appropriate treatment approach depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Simple, non-displaced fractures can be treated with conservative methods (use of a splint for immobilization, medication for pain management), but complex or unstable fractures often require surgery. Osteosynthesis is usually the preferred technique for stabilizing and fixing bones, using materials such as plates, screws or pins.
Process of osteosynthesis
Osteosynthesis can be either internal or external.
- Internal osteosynthesis. In cases where the bones have shifted significantly, the surgeon makes an incision to expose the fracture and realigns the bone fragments. These are then held together with screws, plates or pins.
- External osteosynthesis. This technique involves placing pins in the bone above and below the fracture site, which are then attached to a frame outside the body to keep the bones in alignment while they heal. This method is often used when there is significant soft tissue injury or when the bones are too fragile for internal fixation.
Benefits of osteosynthesis
- The use of screws, plates and other hardware provides excellent stability, allowing the bones to heal in proper alignment.
- It allows early movement of the hand and wrist, which helps prevent stiffness and improves long-term functionality.
- Allows the bone to heal faster and more effectively compared to non-surgical treatment methods.
- Proper alignment and stabilization reduce the risk of complications and chronic pain.
How are wrist and hand fractures prevented?
Using protective equipment during activities, adjusting the home environment to prevent falls, eating a proper diet for bone health with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and regular exercise can help prevent fractures.
Wrist and hand fractures require careful diagnosis and appropriate treatment for full recovery. Osteosynthesis offers a reliable solution for complex fractures, allowing for accurate alignment and stabilization as well as full hand and wrist function.
To learn more about treatment options for wrist and hand fractures, contact us at 6943903343 (secretariat) or 6949196061 (physician) at orthopedikos-papagiannopoulos.gr and make an appointment.
