Wrist Fracture

Wrist Fracture

WRIST FRACTURE
A wrist fracture affects the layer of growing tissue near the ends of a child’s bones. Growth plates are the softest and weakest sections of the skeleton — sometimes even weaker than surrounding ligaments and tendons. An injury that might cause a joint sprain for an adult can cause a growth plate fracture in a child.

Growth plate fractures often need immediate treatment because they can affect how the bone will grow. An improperly treated growth plate fracture could result in a fractured bone ending up more crooked or shorter than its opposite limb. With proper treatment, most growth plate fractures heal without complications.

HAND & WRIST ANATOMY

Wrist and Hand Joints - 3D Anatomy Tutorial

DISEASE EXPLAINED

Principles of Fracture Healing

SYMPTOMS

Pain and tenderness, particularly in response to pressure on the growth plate

Inability to move the affected area or to put weight or pressure on the hand, wrist and forearm

Warmth and swelling at the end of a bone, near a joint

CAUSES

A car accident

Competitive sports, such as football, basketball, running, dancing or gymnastics

Recreational activities, such as biking, sledding, skiing or skateboarding

Growth plate fractures can occasionally be caused by overuse, which can occur during sports training or repetitive throwing.

TREATMENT

Surgical Fixation of Wrist Fractures

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Treatment for growth plate fractures depends on the severity of the fracture. The least serious fractures usually require only a cast or a splint. If the fracture crosses the growth plate or goes into the joint and is not well-aligned, surgery may be necessary. Growth plates that are surgically realigned may have a better chance of recovering and growing again, than do growth plates that are left in a poor position.

At the time of injury, it’s difficult to tell if a growth plate has permanent damage. Your doctor may recommend checking X-rays for several years after the fracture to make sure the growth plate is growing appropriately. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, your child may need follow-up visits until his or her bones have finished growing.

CONTACTING DR. PERLMUTTER

Texting is preferred by Dr. Perlmutter for communication (717-836-6833). Please contact him ASAP, should you have any concerns whatsoever. Many patients fail to contact Dr. Perlmutter when they should have because they are "afraid of bothering him." This is a potentially dangerous attitude and Dr. Perlmutter will always welcome every opportunity to make his patients feel more comfortable. Please feel comfortable sending photographs to add perspective to your questions. Please turn on your flash, aim directly at the body part that you wish to show, and use an evenly colored, dark, and non-reflective background.

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1) Try pushing *82 prior to dialing, or

2) Use a different phone.

Your failure to do so will absolutely compromise your care and hurt your outcome!

If Dr. Perlmutter cannot be reached on his cell phone or by text, please contact the hospital operator to assist in reaching him or a member of his team. They can be reached at NASH: 252-962-8000. ECU Edgecombe: 252-641-7700.

IF YOU PERCEIVE AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911 OR GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM ASAP.

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