Hand & Wrist Center of Houston Home If you suspect broken bones, dislocated joints, lacerated tendons, lacerated nerves, infection, or have an open wound below the elbow, then call us immediately.
 
WRIST FRACTURES


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The scaphoid is the most frequently fractured wrist bone. Many wrist fractures also have wrist ligament injuries that must be treated at the same time. The scaphoid is the most difficult bone in the body to get to heal due to its bad blood supply, location inside a joint, and heavy stresses applied by the neighboring bones. If a scaphoid fracture has 1 mm displacement, the chance of it not healing in a cast is 40%.

MEDICAL HISTORY

Patients may not realize that as serious injury as a wrist bone fracture has occurred. Some think that they have simply sprained their wrists and do not seek treatment soon enough. Pain, stiffness, and swelling all made worse by motion and use are the typical symptoms.

EXAMINATION

Joint motion and strength are measured. Stress evaluation of the wrist ligaments is performed to identify associated ligament injuries if possible. Sometimes tenderness at the fracture location is too much for the patient to tolerate much stress during examination.

ADDITIONAL TESTS: Plain x-rays usually show the fracture well. If not, a CT scan or MRI may be needed for the details.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

 NON-OPERATIVESURGICAL FIXATION
CONSISTS OFLong arm cast followed by a shorter castCompression screw in bone and fiber optic examination of ligaments
FEATURESHeavy and interfere with function considerablyOutpatient surgery, minimally invasive, lightweight removable splint
ADVANTAGESAvoids surgeryMotion begins immediately, light activities easy to perform while healing
DISADVANTAGESHigh chance of not healing, difficult to function while wearing castAnesthetic, tiny scar

RECOVERY

The scaphoid bone can take over 3 months to heal especially if treated non-operatively. The wrist becomes very stiff in a cast and outpatient therapy is required once the cast is removed to then regain motion and strength. Patients stabilized internally with compression screws begin gentle motion exercises immediately after surgery and wear a lightweight removable splint that can be left off during desk type work. Once the bone is proven healed, strengthening and return to sports is allowed, usually after 3 months.
 
 
 
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  • Outstanding from start. Already recommended to friend - 12/19/11
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  • I am super happy with my experience and the outcome of my situation. I would definitely recommend this practice to friends with similar situations. - 02/07/12
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  • ... I like the office and exam rooms--unique ... - 01/04/11
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  • Dr. Henry is remarkable along with his staff and his practice. I recomend Dr. Henry to my friends and co-workers. - 05/18/11
  • ...I believe Dr. Henry is the best and has made a huge difference in our medical situations. I have referred many people and would continue to come until he retires - 11/28/11
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  • Very impressed by every aspect of my visit from the friendliness of everyone to how quickly I was treated. I would definitely recommend this doctor and facility to others. - 12/29/11
  • I've already recommended others to Dr. Henry because of his outstanding abilities to take care of his patients and his excellent staff of professionals. - 02/08/12
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  • The staff are always professional and courteous. Often very helpful...Very grateful. Thanks - 12/01/11
  • I am very pleased with the service received from Dr. Henry. He is a very great doctor. - 09/19/11
  • All the staff is great, they all do an outstanding job and make me feel welcomed every time i come in. - 01/21/11
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  • amazing (: - 11/07/11
  • I have seen 4 other physicians...for my finger laceration and NONE of them explained my condition, options and the science behind the injury as well as Dr. Mark Henry. - 01/05/11
  • Thank you for your kind assistance during my visit. - 11/30/11
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  • Absolutey the best place to come if you have any hand issues. - 12/07/11
  • l staff is considerate and friendly! We love everyone! - 11/16/11
  • Glad i came to see the wrist center for a second opinion. i feel i am being cared for by the best in the area and i will be able to resume my life. - 01/27/12
  • This entire experience thus far has been amazing. The staff has been great and very helpful. Thank you hand and wrist center. - 08/02/11
  • Dr Henry did a wonderfull job and fixed the problems I had with no pain or worry. - 01/17/11
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  • I will miss everyone here, but I am pleased with my healing process and happy with my recovery. - 01/12/11
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  • I will definately recommend Dr. Henry to anyone who has hand and/or wrist problems. Very personable and professional as well as thorough !!! - 04/01/11
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  • I had surgery on both hands and I am really impressed with the results of my hands. Thanks Dr. Henry - 08/08/11
  • Very greatful the staff took care of me was thankful they all showed so much care. hopefully i dont have to come back but if i do i knonw i will get treated with outstanding care. - 08/25/11
  • I NOT ONLY LIKED DR. HENRY, BUT ALL OF THE STAFF THAT I MET WERE VERY NICE. I WOULD CERTAINLY RECOMMEND DR. MARK HENRY TO MY FRIENDS. - 02/25/11
  • Luis was extremely helpful and professional assisting me, a NCM, with my problem. Please give him a cookie or a raise. - 09/20/11
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