What is it?

A fracture is caused when a strong force is exerted against a bone usually from injury such as falling down onto an outstretched hand, or more severe trauma such as car accidents or falls from a great height. Those with weaker bones, for example those with osteoporosis, tend to break their bones more easily.

Fractures are often diagnosed with an X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan. Broken bones heal by themselves but medical treatment may be needed to make sure the pieces are aligned correctly to allow full recovery of strength, movement and sensitivity. In some cases of complicated fractures you may need surgery.

You may need treatment for a fracture if you have the following symptoms:

• Severe pain and tenderness
• Bruising and swelling
• Difficulty moving the hand or arm
• Wrist or fingers are an odd shape
• Snapping or grinding noise at the time of injury
• Bleeding (if the bone has damaged the skin)
• Tingling and numbness

You may also feel:

• Faint
• Dizzy
• Sick

Diagnosis and treatment options

Your consultant will examine you and ask you to demonstrate certain movements to check how well your hand and wrist is working. You might need some additional tests:

• X-ray
• CT scan

Treatments for fracture include:

Splinting

Splinting is used to secure and align both sides of the injury. The splint immobilises the broken bone, helping to prevent further injury and to provide pain relief.

Fixation

Some more complicated fractures may need surgery to realign and hold in place the broken bones. This may involve putting wires, plates or screws inside your hand or wrist. Recovery depends upon the complexity of the fracture.