An unexpected fall can happen to anyone, especially in the rainy or icy conditions we see on the Seacoast. If the pain and swelling do not subside quickly, there may be an underlying distal radius fracture (wrist fracture).
A broken wrist is the most common fracture in the upper extremity and often happens after a fall on an outstretched hand. Dr. Maximilian Meyer, a hand & upper extremity surgeon at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, understands the impact that wrist injuries can have on patients’ lives. His treatment philosophy is focused on working together with patients to create an individualized care plan–whether surgical or non-surgical–to help them return to an active lifestyle.
Prompt Wrist Fracture Treatment is Important
Your wrist plays a central role in nearly everything you do, from typing and cooking to dressing and driving. When a wrist fracture is left untreated, especially if the bone is displaced, it can heal in a poor position. That may lead to deformity, ongoing pain, stiffness, and arthritis. And while it may be tempting to wait it out, getting the right diagnosis early can make a significant difference in long-term recovery. In many cases, surgery can restore the bone to its anatomic position and preserve wrist and hand function.
How Bone Health and Osteoporosis Affect Wrist Fractures
Patients who sustain distal radius fractures often have underlying osteoporosis. Sometimes a wrist fracture is the first sign that bone health needs attention. Occasionally, Dr. Meyer is the first doctor a patient with a broken wrist has seen in years. In these situations, he works to educate patients about osteoporosis and the steps they can take to prevent additional fractures in the future.
Broken Wrist Surgery: What to Expect
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting. Dr. Meyer carefully returns the bone to its anatomic position using low-profile plates and screws. His goal is to restore symmetric wrist motion and strength, and multiple studies have shown that patients can regain more than 90% of their pre-injury wrist function.
Broken Wrist Recovery Time and Rehabilitation
The healing process typically takes about three months. During that time, Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine’s talented Occupational Therapy team plays a key role in helping patients regain strength, motion, and confidence after surgery. They work with patients weekly to ensure steady progress towards a full recovery.
A Patient Success Story
Dr. Meyer recently treated a fellow surgeon who broke her wrist during a hike. The fracture was highly displaced, and he performed surgery that same week. Within days, she was back in her office seeing patients. By six weeks, she was performing minor procedures again, and by three months, she was fully healed and back to all activities without limitation.
When to See a Doctor for a Wrist Fracture
If you’re suffering from wrist pain after a fall, don’t wait and hope it will heal on its own. Dr. Meyer and the team at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine can often see patients the same day and help create a treatment plan that fits their goals. Getting checked sooner rather than later is the best way to protect your wrist function and get back to the activities you enjoy.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Meyer to get an accurate diagnosis today.
