Therapy of a fracture of the spoke and wrist

Note

You are here in the sub-theme Symptoms of spoke breakage. You can find general information on this topic under Spoke breakage or under Spoke breakage duration.

Therapy of wrist fracture

Fractures near the wristSpoke fractures can generally be treated conservatively or surgically. The decision is made on the basis of the X-ray image. In principle, all unstable fractures must be treated surgically.

Signs of an unstable fracture are If three or more of the above criteria are met, the fracture is considered unstable and should be treated surgically. Adequate fracture alignment and stabilization in a plaster cast is usually not possible in unstable fractures. The aim of any therapeutic measure is to restore normal wrist function.

  • Comminuted metaphyseal fracture
  • Dislocation of the articular surface of more than 20
  • Break fracture of the ulnar stylus
  • Fractures with wrist involvement
  • Dislocation between radius (spoke) and ulna (ulna)
  • Elbow feed of more than 3mm
  • Patient age over 60 years

Healing with perspective prognosis

The prognosis for healing depends crucially on the fracture shape of the radius fracture, the fracture care and the follow-up treatment (physiotherapy). Good results can only be expected if it is possible to adjust the fracture continuously and to create stable conditions in the fracture area. Otherwise, false joint formation (insufficient stability) and wrist arthrosis (prearthrosis due to joint step) can occur.

The consequences would be pain, restricted movement and loss of wrist function with effects on the whole arm. In principle, there is a worse prognosis for extensive wrist injuries than for uncomplicated distal radius fractures, even with optimal therapy. An uncomplicated spoke fracture usually heals without consequences.

Complications

Complications can occur in both conservative and surgical therapy. Complications in conservative therapy: Complications in surgical therapy:

  • Slipping of the fracture (secondary dislocation)
  • Pressure damage due to plaster
  • False joint formation (pseudarthrosis)
  • Sudeck’s disease Sudeck’s disease or CRPS is one of the most feared complications of wrist fracture.
  • Vascular, tendon and nerve injuries
  • Infection
  • (slipping of the fracture)
  • Implant loosening
  • False joint formation (pseudarthrosis)
  • Sudeck’s disease A Mobus Sudeck or CRPS occurs significantly more frequently after surgical treatment than after plaster therapy. Basically, however, it is not possible to distinguish whether the fracture (violent impact) or the operation triggered the CRPS.