Wrist fracture after a fall: assessment and follow-up

Understanding the problem

It can be difficult to distinguish a fracture from a severe sprain by symptoms alone. The clinician checks alignment, circulation and sensation. Treatment depends on the break and may involve a splint, cast, realignment or surgery.

Care and next steps

Follow the specific support and movement instructions. Worsening pain, finger colour changes, numbness or a damaged cast needs reassessment. Recovery includes restoring movement and function after the initial protection period; pain settling does not automatically mean unrestricted lifting is safe.

Prepare for your consultation

Bring the first X-rays, discharge note and any later images in date order. Explain your dominant hand and the tasks needed for work or caregiving. Ask when alignment will be checked, which fingers or joints may move and how to protect the cast. For a low-impact fall, ask whether bone health should also be assessed rather than considering the wrist in isolation.

Bring hand function into follow-up

Tell the clinician whether this is your dominant hand and whether your work involves tools, keyboard use or lifting. Ask about safe finger movement and when the wrist itself can begin rehabilitation. Keep any previous X-rays so alignment can be compared across visits.

Before leaving the fracture clinic

Use these questions to make the consultation specific to your situation.

• When is the next X-ray or review needed?
• What changes in sensation, swelling or finger colour require urgent assessment?
• What help will I need with washing and dressing?

Common questions