Broken wrist/broken hand

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs Prevention

Definition

If you think you've sustained a broken wrist or a broken hand, seek prompt medical attention. It's important to treat a broken wrist or broken hand as soon as possible. Otherwise, the bones may not heal in proper alignment, which can affect your ability to perform everyday activities, such as grasping a pen or buttoning a shirt.

Treatment for a broken wrist or a broken hand depends on the exact site and severity of the injury. A simple break (fracture) may be treated with a splint, ice and rest. However, a more complicated broken wrist or broken hand may require surgery to realign the broken bone and to implant wires, plates, rods or screws into the broken bone to maintain proper alignment during healing.

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Symptoms