Complex Fracture Repair of the Hand and Wrist

If you experience a severe hand or wrist fracture that shifted your bones or caused them to break through the skin, you will likely need surgery. Surgery will help restore the proper alignment of your bones and protect the joints against stiffness, early onset arthritis, or other infections. Repairing the fracture promotes a complete recovery by helping you start moving the bones again as they heal.

Complex fracture repair is performed to improve the alignment of broken bones and to maximize function and motion as the bones heal. At MedStar Health we offer the least invasive treatment options possible. However, when fractures are severe or complex, they often need surgical repair to realign the bones for proper healing. Some of the most common causes of hand and wrist fractures include:

• Trauma to the wrist or hand

• Osteoporosis, which causes weak bones

During the procedure, your surgeon will realign the bones that have shifted out of place. Your surgeon may then use wires, screws, or plates to secure your bones back to the correct position. A severe hand, wrist, or elbow fracture is likely to feel very overwhelming. We understand your concerns and use our experience and compassion to guide you through every step of your treatment and recovery process.

After your surgery, you may need to wear a splint or cast for a few weeks. You may also need to take medication to manage your pain. Physical therapy exercises will help you build strength and range of motion in your injured area. You can begin physical therapy very soon after surgery and can continue for several weeks or months. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss the details of your recovery with you, as well as how long you can expect it will take to recover complete strength and use of your hand or wrist.

Our goal is for you to experience the following benefits after having complex fracture repair surgery:

• Corrected bone structure
• Pain relief
• Restored range of motion
• Ability to return to physical activities