A wrist fracture can happen in an instant — whether from a sports injury, a fall, or an accident — and can cause significant pain and loss of function. Because the wrist is made up of multiple small bones, fractures can vary widely in severity, location, and treatment approach.

At The Orthopedic Partners, our specialists treat both pediatric and adult wrist fractures, ensuring that every patient receives the most effective care for their specific injury.  Dr. Patrick Olson specializes in adult and pediatric wrist and forearm fractures, while Dr. Marcella Woiczik and Dr. John Heflin focus exclusively on pediatric cases. For adult patients, Dr. Patrick Olson offers a unique minimally invasive technique for certain fractures, which can reduce recovery time and scarring compared to traditional methods.

If you or your child has suffered a wrist fracture, understanding the different types of fractures and their treatments can help you make informed decisions about care and recovery.

Types of Wrist Fractures

1. Distal Radius Fracture (Colles’ and Smith’s Fractures)

The radius is the larger of the two forearm bones and is the most commonly fractured wrist bone.

• Colles’ Fracture: Occurs when the radius breaks near the wrist and shifts upward, often due to falling onto an outstretched hand.
• Smith’s Fracture: A break in the same location, but the bone shifts downward instead of upward, often from falling onto a bent wrist.

Treatment Options

Mild fractures: A splint or cast for 4-6 weeks may allow proper healing.

Severe fractures: If the bone is significantly displaced, surgery may be necessary to realign and stabilize the bone with plates, screws, or pins.

Dr. Olson’s Approach

For the right type of distal radius fracture, he performs surgery through a small 2 cm incision, which is less than half the size of a standard incision. This minimally invasive technique can help reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time.

2. Scaphoid Fracture

The scaphoid is a small, boat-shaped bone near the base of the thumb. Because it has a limited blood supply, fractures here are at higher risk of delayed healing or nonunion if not properly treated.

Treatment Options

• Non-displaced fractures: Often treated with a cast for 6-12 weeks.
• Displaced fractures: Surgery is usually required, often involving a small screw to hold the bone together while it heals.

3. Buckle (Torus) Fracture – Common in Children

Pediatric wrist fractures often present as buckle fractures, where the bone bends rather than breaks completely. This is due to the softer, more flexible nature of children’s bones.

Treatment Options

• Most buckle fractures can be treated with a removable brace instead of a cast.
• Healing typically occurs within 3-4 weeks with minimal long-term complications.

Why It’s Different for Kids: Children’s bones heal faster, and they often require less invasive treatments compared to adults.

4. Greenstick Fracture – Pediatric Fracture

A greenstick wrist fracture happens when the bone bends and cracks on one side but remains intact on the other. This type of fracture is unique to children due to their softer bones.

Treatment Options

• A cast is typically used for 4-6 weeks to ensure proper healing.
• If the fracture is more severe, a manual realignment (reduction) may be necessary before casting.

5. Chauffeur’s Fracture (Radial Styloid Fracture)

A fracture of the radial styloid, the pointed bone on the thumb side of the wrist, often results from high-impact trauma, such as a direct blow or falling onto an extended hand.

Treatment Options

• Stable fractures: Treated with a cast.
• Unstable fractures: May require surgical fixation with screws or plates.

6. Galeazzi Fracture – More Severe Injury

A Galeazzi fracture involves a break in the radius along with dislocation of the ulna at the wrist. It is a high-energy injury that typically requires surgery.

Treatment Options

• Surgical fixation with plates and screws to fix bone and likely ligament repair is the standard approach.
• Post-surgery, physical therapy is essential for restoring wrist function.

When Is Surgery Needed for a Wrist Fracture?

While many wrist fractures heal with splints or casts, surgery may be necessary if:

• The bone is significantly displaced or misaligned.
• The fracture is unstable, meaning it could shift out of place.
• The fracture involves the joint, which could lead to long-term stiffness or arthritis.

Dr. Olson’s Minimally Invasive Technique: If surgery is needed for certain fractures, Dr. Olson performs a unique approach using a small 2 cm incision — less than half the size of a standard incision. This method allows for:

• Faster healing
• Less post-surgical pain
• Smaller scars
• Quicker return to daily activities

Recovery and Rehabilitation for Wrist Fractures

• Immobilization Phase (First Few Weeks): Patients wear a cast or brace while the bone heals.
• Gradual Movement & Physical Therapy: Once cleared, stretching and strengthening exercises help restore wrist function.
• Full Recovery Timeline: Depending on the severity, recovery can take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months.

For children, wrist fractures heal faster — often within 4-6 weeks. For adults, healing may take longer, especially if surgery is required.

Expert Wrist Fracture Treatment at The Orthopedic Partners

At The Orthopedic Partners, we specialize in treating both pediatric and adult wrist fractures, using the latest techniques to ensure optimal healing and function. Dr. Patrick Olson specializes in adult and pediatric wrist and forearm fractures, while Dr. Marcella Woiczik and Dr. John Heflin focus exclusively on pediatric cases.

Whether your treatment requires a simple cast or advanced surgical intervention, our specialists provide personalized care to ensure the best possible outcome for every patient.

Injured Your Wrist? Get Expert Care Today

If you or your child has suffered a wrist fracture, early treatment is essential for the best outcome. Contact The Orthopedic Partners today to request an appointment and get back to pain-free movement as quickly as possible.