What are Forearm -Wrist – Hand Fractures?
Fractures of the forearm – wrist – hand are mainly fractures of the lower end of the radius (colles fractures). They are more common in older people after a fall. In case of minor comminution and displacement of the fracture the treatment is conservative with a closed fracture rearrangement and plaster placement for 6 weeks.
Surgical Treatment for Forearm -Wrist – Hand Fractures
In cases where the fracture comminution is major and there is no possibility of a closed fracture rearrangement, surgical repair of the articular surfaces and retention with fixation screws or external osteosynthesis is necessary.
The scaphoid bone fractures of the wrist area are severe fractures.
They often divert from the initial diagnosis but mainly because they exhibit high rates of fracture pseudarticulation.
The location of the fracture (upper, middle, lower pole and fracture displacement) is of great importance in the initial diagnosis.
Conservative therapy
In fractures mainly in the middle of the scaphoid bone without dislocation the treatment may be conservative with plaster placement for 8 to 10 weeks and frequent radiological monitoring for healing progression. In upper-pole fractures with displacement, treatment is basically surgical with fracture repair and osteosynthesis with special screws.
Diagnosis
The dislocations of the lunate bone are quite serious injuries because they are difficult to diagnose and exhibit high rates of aseptic bone necrosis.
Early diagnosis and rearrangement of dislocation with plaster placement for 6 weeks provides good results.
Wrist metacarpal bone fractures and especially of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th metacarpal bone are treated conservatively.
Dislocated fractures and fractures of the 1st and 5th metacarpal bone are surgically treated.
Forearm fractures are basically treated surgically using fixation plates and screws.
