WRIST FRACTURES

Wrist fractures are the most common type of fracture of the upper limb across all age groups. The wrist is composed of many bones including the radius, the ulna and the carpal bones. As a result, a fracture can affect one or more of these bones. The most prevalent damage involves a fracture of the radius with distal displacement on the dorsal side, commonly known as a Colles’ fracture.

Groups most affected by Colles’ fractures¹

• Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, people falling on one hand with an extended wrist
• Young people experiencing trauma at high speeds (sports, motor vehicle accident)

Signs and symptoms²

• Pain in the wrist and fingers
• Acute edema
• Palpable and/or visible wrist deformation
• Loss of active and passive joint motion
• Loss of muscular strength in the wrist, fingers and hand grip

Numerous structures are located in the wrist region, including several tendons, ligaments and nerves. Thus, these structures can also be affected and create complications. Depending on the severity of the fracture and bone displacement, immobilization with or without surgical intervention may be necessary.

Most common potential complications³:

• Peripheral neuropathy (especially median nerve damage)
• Wrist osteoarthritis
• Complex regional pain syndrome or shoulder-hand syndrome
• Tendon rupture
• Stiffness in the fingers
• Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (secondary to arm immobilization)
• Persistent reduction in the range of motion, limiting the return to normal functions of the wrist

Physiotherapy interventions⁵

Scientific studies demonstrate that early intervention by a physiotherapist following the healing of a fracture is very effective and allows for a faster return to normal functions while preventing complications.⁴