With the onset of the winter season the risk of falls due to ice increases sharply. A common result of this is a sprain, sprain, strain or fracture of a limb. Attempts to mitigate the damage of falling by leaning on your hands leads to traumatic injuries to the wrist and forearm. Wrist fractures occur when the body falls forward and supports when the arm is extended at the elbow. Another mechanism is a direct blow to the base of the wrist when practicing sports. Depending on the intensity of the deforming forces, the integrity of the bones that make up the wrist is broken or the bones of the forearm are affected. The vector of deforming forces and the state of bone density determines both the type of fracture and the severity of damage to structures.
Symptoms and diagnosis
- Often sharp, sudden pain accompanies the fracture. It happens that its intensity immediately after the traumatic event is not so great, but gradually increases with attempts to move the injured area. When trying to move, non-specific crunching or the possibility of moving in an atypical place can be detected.
- Impaired wrist function. There is a limited volume of traffic due to runoff. Warming of the skin in the area with a broken wrist is due to increased blood flow and body fluids. The possibility of grips is very limited or impossible. Fine motor skills also suffer.
- Deformation after fracture of the wrist. Here the variability depends on the fracture site formed.
- Inability to move in certain fingers or coldness of the hand suggests the presence of severe fractures affecting nerve or arterial structures.
Diagnosis of suspected wrist fractures is performed by an orthopedist. Radiography is the examination that shows how the fracture occurs, the affected bones and determines the treatment of the trauma. It consists of repositioning the bone fragments and immobilization for a certain period until complete bone fusion. Some fractures need only immobilization, others reposition and immobilization. However, there are also those that require surgical intervention with the placement of metal osteosynthesis, followed by immobilization. Its removal is performed after X-ray control and the attending physician gives permission for rehabilitation.
Treatment and rehabilitation after a broken wrist
Rehabilitation after immobilization due to a broken wrist includes all activities that will restore the normal functionality of the hand. The rehabilitation program is gradually unfolding, with the main part being occupied by analytical therapeutic gymnastics. In the beginning, exercises are given that restore the normal joint volume of movement in the wrist. The emphasis is on building muscle strength. Hand grips and fine motor skills are trained. The duration of rehabilitation depends on the severity of the fracture and the damage from immobilization. The active participation of the patient is crucial.
Prevention
- Wearing protectors in extreme sports practitioners is a good prevention of injuries in the area.
- Avoid going out in the ice. When this is not possible, make sure your shoes are appropriate.
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