Hand & Wrist Fractures

What are Hand and Wrist fractures and how is it treated?

What is a Hand/Wrist Fracture?

A hand or wrist fracture, which may also be referred to as a broken hand or wrist, is an injury that requires specialized orthopaedic treatment. The Fellowship Trained and Board Certified Hand and Wrist Specialists at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates evaluate, diagnose, and treat all types of hand and wrist fractures.

Common causes of hand and wrist fractures include striking an object with a closed fist, falling on a closed fist, and a direct blow to the hand. Symptoms commonly include the following:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Weakness, numbness, tingling

Patients who are experiencing symptoms are advised to make an appointment with one of our Hand and Wrist Specialists as soon as possible. Delaying a diagnosis can result in a fracture not healing properly.

How is it treated?

The Hand and Wrist Specialists at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates use x-rays and a physical examination to access the severity of the fracture. Many fractures can be treated using the following nonsurgical treatment options:

  • Immobilization in a splint, cast, or brace
  • Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Hand therapy

Some fractures may need to be treated using surgical intervention. The purpose of surgery is to realign and fixate the fracture so it can properly heal. The Hand Wrist Specialists at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates perform a variety of surgical procedures to treat a fractured hand or wrist, including closed reduction percutaneous pinnings (CRPPs) and open reduction internal fixations (ORIFs).  The type of surgery performed is always based on your unique injury.