Types of Wrist Fractures
The most common wrist fracture is a distal radius fracture — a break at the lower end of the radius, often from a fall on an outstretched hand. Other important fractures include scaphoid fractures (frequently missed on initial X-rays), distal ulna fractures, and perilunate dislocations.
Symptoms
- Immediate wrist pain following a fall or impact
- Swelling and bruising
- Visible deformity in displaced fractures
- Inability to bear weight through the wrist
- Numbness or tingling if nerve involvement
Non-Surgical Treatment
Stable, minimally displaced fractures may be treated with cast immobilization for 4–8 weeks with close follow-up X-rays to ensure the fracture does not shift.
Surgical — ORIF
Displaced or unstable fractures are best treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Dr. Richards uses modern volar locking plates that allow earlier mobilization and restore precise anatomic alignment. He also sees referrals for complex wrist trauma including perilunate dislocations, scaphoid nonunions, and distal radius malunions requiring corrective osteotomy.