Wrist Fracture
Wrist fractures are among the most common fractures in personal injury accidents, occurring when a person instinctively extends an arm to break a fall or braces against impact in a vehicle crash. The most frequent type is a distal radius fracture (often a Colles fracture), but the scaphoid and other small carpal bones can also break. While many wrist fractures heal well with casting, displaced or intra-articular fractures involving the joint surface frequently require surgical fixation with plates, screws, or pins. The wrist is essential for nearly all hand function, so injuries here can significantly limit gripping, lifting, typing, and fine motor tasks, affecting both occupational and daily activities. Complications include malunion (healing in a poor position), stiffness, reduced grip strength, post-traumatic arthritis, and in some cases nerve irritation leading to symptoms such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Scaphoid fractures are notoriously prone to delayed healing or non-union because of limited blood supply. In personal injury claims, wrist fractures are well documented by imaging, but the impact on hand function and the risk of long-term stiffness or arthritis should be thoroughly evaluated to capture the injury's full consequences.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
Symptoms
The following symptoms are commonly reported by accident victims diagnosed with Wrist Fracture. Symptoms should be reported to your treating physician at every appointment to ensure they are documented in your medical record.
- 1Immediate pain and swelling in the wrist
- 2Visible deformity or a bent appearance of the wrist
- 3Bruising and tenderness over the joint
- 4Difficulty or inability to grip, lift, or move the hand
- 5Numbness or tingling in the fingers from nerve involvement
- 6Reduced range of motion and weakness during recovery
Treatment & Recovery
Typical Treatment
Closed reduction and casting for stable fractures, surgical fixation (plates, screws, or pins) for displaced or joint-involving fractures, occupational and physical therapy, and treatment of any nerve symptoms.
Recovery Timeframe
Simple fractures: 6–8 weeks of immobilization plus rehabilitation. Surgical or scaphoid fractures: 3–6 months, with some residual stiffness possible.
Preserve all wrist imaging and operative reports, and document any lingering loss of grip strength, range of motion, or fine motor ability, since these functional deficits are central to the claim's value, particularly if your job depends on hand use. Because intra-articular wrist fractures can lead to post-traumatic arthritis and scaphoid fractures can fail to heal, ask your orthopedic or hand surgeon to address the long-term prognosis. A functional assessment of grip and dexterity provides objective evidence of any permanent impairment beyond the initial fracture.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
Estimated Medical Cost Range
Cost estimates reflect typical treatment pathways in the United States and vary significantly based on injury severity, geographic location, insurance coverage, and whether surgical intervention is required. These figures are general ranges only and are not a guarantee of costs in any individual case.