About Wrist Fracture
Key Highlights
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Restores proper alignment and function of the wrist joint.Prevents long-term complications like chronic pain, stiffness, or post-traumatic arthritis.Offers both non-surgical (casting) and surgical (plates, screws, pins) treatment options tailored to the fracture type.Performed by specialized orthopedic surgeons with expertise in hand and wrist trauma.Aims for a rapid return to daily activities, work, and sports with restored strength and range of motion.
Who is this surgery for?
- Displaced fracture where the bone fragments are not aligned.
- Unstable fracture that cannot be held in place with a cast alone.
- Open (compound) fracture where the bone pierces the skin.
- Intra-articular fracture involving the wrist joint surface.
- Comminuted fracture with multiple bone fragments.
- Associated injuries like carpal bone fractures or ligament tears.
- Failure of non-surgical treatment to maintain alignment.
How to prepare
- Initial evaluation with X-rays, and sometimes a CT scan, to assess fracture pattern.
- Medical history review and physical examination of the hand, wrist, and arm.
- Discussion of treatment options (surgical vs. non-surgical), risks, and benefits with the orthopedic surgeon.
- Pre-operative tests (blood work, ECG) if surgery is planned, especially for older patients.
- Informing the surgeon of all medications; may need to stop blood thinners temporarily.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before scheduled surgery.
- Arranging for help at home and transportation post-procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or in the bone (osteomyelitis).
- Bleeding, bruising, or hematoma formation.
- Nerve or blood vessel damage, leading to numbness, tingling, or circulation issues.
- Stiffness, reduced range of motion, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
- Hardware irritation, loosening, or failure, potentially requiring removal.
- Non-union (bone fails to heal) or malunion (bone heals in poor position).
- Post-traumatic arthritis in the wrist joint.
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia or implant materials.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial period involves wearing a cast, splint, or brace to immobilize the wrist, typically for 4-6 weeks.
- Elevation and ice application are crucial for the first few days to manage swelling and pain.
- Pain medication and antibiotics (if prescribed) should be taken as directed.
- Keeping the cast/splint clean and dry; watching for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, fever).
- Gradual initiation of physical therapy or prescribed exercises once the cast is removed to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Avoiding heavy lifting and high-impact activities for several weeks to months as guided by the surgeon.
- Follow-up X-rays are scheduled to monitor bone healing progress.
- Full recovery and return to all activities, including sports, can take 3 to 6 months or longer.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for basic healing; 3-6+ months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering wrist fracture in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for wrist fracture in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform wrist fracture. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for wrist fracture compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 30 Thousand – 150 Thousand | 0-2 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for basic healing; 3-6+ months for full functional recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 105 Thousand – 525 Thousand | 0-2 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for basic healing; 3-6+ months for full functional recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Wrist Fracture in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing wrist fracture.
Aarav Shah, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Aarav Shah, a 28-year-old software engineer and avid weekend rock climber, fell during a bouldering session, landing directly on his outstretched dominant right hand. He felt immediate, sharp pain and heard a 'pop'. Within hours, his wrist was swollen, bruised, and he couldn't bear any weight on it. An X-ray in the ER revealed a displaced fracture of the distal radius. The orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mehta, recommended a closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) to realign the bones and hold them in place with thin wires, as the fracture was unstable. Aarav was terrified about the impact on his career and passion. The procedure was done under sedation; he felt no pain, just pressure. Post-surgery, his wrist was in a splint. Recovery involved six weeks of immobilization, followed by intensive physiotherapy to regain strength and range of motion. After three months, he was cleared for light climbing. Emotionally, Aarav went from fear and frustration about his independence being compromised to immense relief and determination. The successful recovery restored his confidence, making him more cautious but no less passionate about his hobbies.
Orthopedists for Wrist Fracture
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform wrist fracture and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore