51 Locations in 16 New Jersey Counties
Your Location: West Orange  
West Orange
445 Pleasant Valley Way, Suite 100, West Orange, NJ 07052
862.520.4027
More information > Change Location

Background & Etiology

The wrist joint is comprised of the distal ends of the radius and ulna (forearm bones) and eight carpal bones (which form the “floor” of the carpal tunnel.) A fracture is defined as a partial or complete crack in a bone. Fractures can be minor with little or no displacement of the bone, or more severe with complete displacement of the two ends of the bone that requires surgery to realign. There are closed fractures that do not break the skin, and open fractures that do break the skin.

Fractures of the wrist are the most common fracture in individuals under the age of 65, and are usually caused by direct trauma or a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH). The bone most likely to be involved in a wrist fracture is the radius. In the event that an individual suspects they may have sustained a wrist fracture, a radiographic evaluation (X-Ray) will be essential to a proper diagnosis.

Fractures are acute injuries (occur suddenly) therefore symptoms can often be noticed immediately following injury.

  • Sudden, sharp pain in the wrist
  • Swelling of the wrist and arm
  • Visible deformity of the bones in the wrist
  • Decreased ability to move the wrist and hand

The most common course of treatment for a wrist fracture is realignment (referred to as reducing the fracture) and casting to immobilize the joint, and give the bones time to heal. For more severe fractures, surgery may be needed to realign the bones properly. How much movement should be restricted following the fracture will depend on the severity of the break.

Once cleared by the physician, a hand therapy program should be initiated to reverse the effects of immobilization and restore wrist motion. In more involved fractures recovery can be long and arduous. Formal therapy and compliance with an extensive home program is the mainstay to restoring function of the wrist.

Post wrist fracture immobilization can have detrimental effects that can be improved through hand therapy including:

  • Joint articular cartilage softening
  • Shortening and atrophy of musculotendinous units
  • Decreased circulation
  • Loss of active and passive motion

Hand Therapists are occupational or physical therapists educated and trained to administer interventions. As stated in The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, interventions are the skilled and purposeful use of therapy methods and techniques to produce changes consistent with the diagnosis, prognosis and goal of the patient or client. Common interventions in the treatment of Wrist Fracture include:

Goals for hand therapy post-wrist fracture immobilization are optimal loading and restoration of normal tissue relationships to improve motion, strength and ability to perform functional activities of daily living.

  • Manual Therapeutic Technique (MTT): hands on care including soft tissue massage, and joint mobilization by a hand therapist to modulate pain and reduce any soft tissue or tendon irritation and restore normal joint mechanics and range of motion.
  • Therapeutic Exercises (TE) including exercises to improve strength and performance of the wrist and surrounding muscles.
  • Neuromuscular Reeducation (NMR) to restore stability, begin retraining the upper extremity, improve proximal joint stability and improve movement technique and mechanics (for example: ability to grasp objects, dress, work and perform fine motor activities) in use of the involved upper extremity in daily activities.
  • Modalities that can include the use of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice, cold and laser to decrease pain, improve mobility and reduce inflammation of the wrist and surrounding muscles and tendons.
  • Home program development should include strengthening, stretching and stabilization exercises as well as instructions to help the person perform daily tasks and advance to the next functional level.

Most fractures can be diagnosed with X-Ray studies and when necessary a CAT scan. The use of pain medications, immobilization, rest and ice are the first line of treatment. Surgical intervention may be required in more severe fractures or those that affect the integrity of the wrist joint.

Prognosis

Rate of recovery and the prognosis from a wrist fracture will depend on a number of factors:

  • Severity – Minor fractures do well with immobilization and hand therapy, while fractures that are more severe and require surgery or effect joint integrity take longer to recover. Patients may have residual motion and strength deficits.
  • Age- Younger individuals recover faster and are less likely to have residual deficits. Younger individuals heal quicker, have better circulation, are stronger and usually their pre-injury tissue integrity is better.
  • Prior activity level plays an important role in post-injury recovery. Those who exercise regularly are stronger and more flexible, and generally have an easier and more complete recovery.
  • Compliance- Patients that are committed to their rehabilitation program and are compliant with their home program are more successful in returning to full function.

Schedule an
Appointment!

After submitting the form, a Twin Boro specialist will contact you within 24-48 hours to discuss your symptoms and schedule your evaluation appointment.

Get back to doing what you love.

We are dedicated physical therapists that genuinely care. We strive to restore you to your former self, no matter the injury.

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

Real People, Real Testimonials.

“After my bilateral hip replacement I had a choice where to do my outpatient therapy. I chose to go to Twin Boro because of the positive experience I had there previously. Every staff person I worked with knew what they were doing, were friendly and contributed to a very positive experience for me.”

Wiken

"After a wrist/hand surgery, I completed 6 months of physical therapy at the TWIN BOROS - DAYTON NJ location with therapist James Battaglia. In the beginning I was in a great deal of pain with very limited range of motion. I was cringing from pain and using safe words lol. From day one, James gave me excellent care! He was very patient and listened to my cues. He crafted a full complement of exercises for me both in the office and also an at-home exercise program. Christa (sp) another therapist - also filled in for James during vacations and worked on my wrist. She too was excellent! The assistants and office staff are all super friendly and address every patient by their first name. You are not just a “patient” here. The staff all genuinely care about you. By the time I “graduated” 6 months later my wrist was doing so much better. I was actually sad to leave. This is a great facility- clean, modern and professional. You won’t be disappointed with this facility at all!"

Starr D.

"I feel that the physical therapy at the Union office is above and beyond the best that I have ever received. They helped me so much and I hope to return as a visitor and utilize their equipment when I am fully recovered from surgery. Thank you Nicole, Elaine and the entire staff for always going the extra mile to make sure I received treatment. Never had a problem with billing either. I have been to a few PT facilities and highly recommend Twin Boro!"

Linda R.

“Thank you for all your help and kindness during my 25 visits. I know I will miss you all. Special thanks to Bob Simona and Sue who were always there for me with a smile and kind words. Twin Boro is very lucky to have such a caring and wonderful group of professionals.”

Joanne

View all Testimonials

We have 51 convenient locations

We love being close to our patients. Find out which of our premier facilities is nearest you!

VIew a list of all locations