Hand, Wrist and Elbow Bone Fractures
Fractures of the hand, fingers, wrist and elbow can occur from falls or injuries and may significantly affect arm movement and function.
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Fractures of the hand, wrist or elbow are common injuries that can occur from falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents or direct trauma. These injuries range from small, stable cracks to complex fractures in which the bone shifts out of place or breaks into multiple pieces.
Prompt evaluation and treatment are important to ensure the bone heals properly and to restore strength, mobility and function. At Summa Health Orthopedic Institute, our hand and upper extremity specialists provide expert care for simple and complex fractures.
Causes of Hand, Wrist & Elbow Fractures
Most fractures occur when more force is applied to a bone than it can withstand. Common causes include:
- Falls onto an outstretched hand
- Sports and recreational injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Direct blows or crush injuries
- Workplace accidents
Certain factors, including osteoporosis, weakened bones and advancing age, can increase the risk of fractures.
Hand, Wrist & Elbow Fracture Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture but commonly include:
- Sudden pain at the time of injury
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness to the touch
- Difficulty or inability to move the hand, wrist or elbow
- Weakness or inability to grip objects
- Visible deformity or an abnormal angle of the injured area
- Numbness or tingling if nearby nerves are affected
- An open wound if the bone has broken through the skin
Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe pain, significant deformity, numbness, loss of circulation or an open fracture.
Diagnosing Hand, Wrist & Elbow Fractures
Your orthopedic specialist will perform a physical examination and review how the injury occurred. X-rays are typically used to confirm a fracture and determine its location and severity. In more complex injuries, a CT scan or MRI may be recommended to evaluate the bone, joint surfaces or surrounding ligaments and tendons.
Treatment for Hand, Wrist & Elbow Fractures
Treatment depends on the type, location and severity of the fracture. The goal is to ensure the bone heals in proper alignment while restoring normal function.
Treatment options may include:
- Splinting or casting to stabilize the bone
- Closed reduction to realign the fracture without surgery
- Bracing during the healing process
- Pain management
- Hand therapy or physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion
- Surgery to stabilize the fracture using plates, screws, pins or other fixation devices when necessary
Most fractures heal over several weeks, although recovery time varies depending on the injury and your overall health.
Meet Our Hand, Wrist and Elbow Team
As part of the Summa Health Orthopedics Institute, our hand, wrist and elbow team is led by board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons with advanced expertise in treating these conditions and injuries. Working closely with therapists and other specialists, they provide personalized care focused on relieving pain, restoring function and helping patients get back to their daily activities.