Common Wrist Fractures
Common Wrist Fractures. There are different types of injuries that someone can sustain in a traumatic accident; however, some injuries are more common than others. One of the most common injuries that someone can sustain in a traumatic accident is a fractured wrist. According to a recently published research paper in the Journal of Hand Clinical Medicine:
- Fractures of the radius account for 25 percent of bone fractures in children.
- Fractures of the radius are responsible for close to 20 percent of all fractures in adults.
- In 2001, there were close to 650,000 radius fractures alone.
The radius is only one of two different bones that make up the wrist, with the other being ulna. Fractures of the wrist can be serious and make it difficult for people to return to work, particularly if they perform manual labor or type on a computer on a regular basis. Because of how severe these fractures can be, it is essential for people to understand just how these fractures occur.
How does a Fractured Wrist Occur?
There are several different ways that people can sustain a fractured wrist. Some of the most common mechanisms include:
A Slip and Fall Injury: This is the most common mechanism of a fractured wrist. When someone slips and falls, people extend their arms to protect their internal organs. Even though this can protect the heart, lungs, and abdomen from damage, this also exposes to wrists to a traumatic injury.
Auto Accident: People can also sustain a broken wrist in an auto accident. This most commonly results from direct trauma. Whether it is the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, the bones of the wrist are not that thick. People can easily fracture their wrist in an auto accident.
How is a Fractured Wrist Treated?
When someone has been diagnosed with a fractured wrist, the question that most people have is whether or not they will require surgery. When a fractured wrist is visualized on an x-ray, the doctor will have to decide whether or not the fracture is displaced. If the bones have been displaced from their proper anatomical location, surgery will be required to place the bones back into their standard position. If the fracture is not displaced, a cast will be all that is necessary to allow the bones to heal. Sometimes, the cast will need to be kept in place for up to six weeks. After this, the cast will be removed. The muscles are often stiff and physical therapy will be required to regain a baseline range of motion.
Watch YouTube Video: Broken Wrist Exercises After Taking Off Cast. In this video, two physical therapists demonstrate the types of exercises you can do after removing your cast from a fractured wrist.
Help from a Lawyer
When someone has sustained a fractured wrist, the consequences can be severe. Many people require surgery to place the bones of their wrist back in the proper location. This can require a significant amount of physical therapy even after the surgical procedure has been performed. For families that are experiencing a large amount of stress stemming from a broken wrist, meeting with a trained legal adviser can be helpful. A Sacramento personal injury lawyer has the experience to help a family through a stressful situation.
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I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. A fractured wrist has the potential to be a severe injury. If you or a family member has suffered serious injuries in a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I would be happy to offer friendly, free advice.
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Common Wrist Fractures: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The image at the beginning of this page was seen first on Unsplash. The picture has been printed here with permission /Common Wrist Fractures.
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