Wrist fractures

Wrist fractures are among the most common injuries presenting to emergency departments. Dr Myhill has a specific interest in the surgical management of distal radius fractures (broken wrist) and scaphoid fractures, having trained in upper limb trauma during his IBRA Scholarship at Erasmus MC, Rotterdam.

Distal radius fractures

A distal radius fracture is a break at the end of the radius (forearm bone), just above the wrist joint. It is often called a "Colles' fracture" or "broken wrist" and typically occurs from a fall onto an outstretched hand. They are common at all ages, particularly in older women with osteoporosis and in younger individuals sustaining higher-energy trauma.

Treatment

Many distal radius fractures are managed non-surgically in a cast. Surgery is considered when the fracture is significantly displaced, unstable, involves the wrist joint surface, or occurs in younger active patients where precise anatomical restoration is important. Surgical fixation typically involves a volar locking plate, a metal plate applied to the front of the wrist through a small incision.

Scaphoid fractures

The scaphoid is a small boat-shaped bone on the thumb side of the wrist. Scaphoid fractures commonly occur from falls onto an outstretched hand and can be mistaken for a wrist sprain. They are important to identify and treat promptly because of the scaphoid's precarious blood supply, fractures that go untreated risk non-union (failure to heal) and avascular necrosis (bone death), leading to long-term wrist arthritis.

Treatment

Undisplaced scaphoid fractures may be treated in a cast, though surgery with a headless compression screw offers a faster return to function in younger, active patients. Displaced fractures and non-unions generally require surgical intervention. Dr Myhill will discuss the most appropriate approach for your fracture pattern and circumstances.