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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffComplications of a broken wrist or broken hand are rare, but they may include:
- Ongoing stiffness, aching or disability. You may experience ongoing stiffness, pain or aching in the affected area even after your broken bone has healed. This generally goes away a month or two after your cast is taken off or after surgery, but you may have some permanent stiffness or aching if your injury was severe. It may also take a few months to regain your ability to use your hand and fingers normally. Be patient with your recovery, and talk to your doctor about exercises that might help.
- Osteoarthritis. Fractures that extend into the joint can cause arthritis years later. If your wrist or hand starts to hurt or swell long after a break, see your doctor for an evaluation.
- Nerve or blood vessel damage. Trauma to the wrist or hand can injure adjacent nerves and blood vessels. Seek immediate attention if you notice any numbness or circulation problems.
References
- Petron DJ, et al. Distal radius fractures in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 21, 2009.
- Fracture of the finger. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00257. Accessed April 21, 2009.
- Anderson BC. Evaluation of the adult patient with wrist pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 21, 2009.
- Woolfrey KG, et al. Orthopedic lesions: Wrist and forearm. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and clinical practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/132876839-5/832233957/1365/124.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50053-6--cesec18_1919. Accessed April 21, 2009.
- Lyn E, et al. Orthopedic lesions: Hand. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and clinical practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/132876839-5/0/1365/121.html?tocnode=51891270&fromURL=121.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50052-4_1733. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- Hand fractures. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00010. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- Bone X-ray (radiography). Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bonerad. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- CT: Body. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodyct. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- MRI of the musculoskeletal system. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=muscmr. Accessed May 12, 2009.
- General nuclear medicine. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=gennuclear. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- Wrist fractures. American Society for Surgery of the Hand. http://www.assh.org/Public/HandConditions/Pages/WristFractures.aspx. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- Lewiecki EM. Prevention of osteoporosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- Ski and snowboard injuries. American Society for Surgery of the Hand. http://www.assh.org/Public/HandConditions/Pages/SkiandSnowboardInjuries.aspx. Accessed April 23, 2009.
