By Dr. Vishal Sahni – MBBS, MS Ortho, FRCS Ortho (London), MCh Ortho (Liverpool)
London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur
Understanding the Importance of the Wrist in Everyday Life
Our wrists are among the most crucial joints in the human body, allowing us to perform everyday tasks like holding, lifting, writing, typing, and even simple gestures such as turning a doorknob or raising a cup. When a wrist fracture occurs, it not only disrupts these daily functions but can also significantly impact quality of life, causing pain, swelling, loss of strength, and stiffness.
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, under the expertise of Dr. Vishal Sahni, an internationally trained Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in Shoulder, Elbow, and Wrist treatments, advanced solutions are offered to help patients recover faster and regain full function. Dr. Sahni’s global experience—MBBS, MS Ortho, FRCS Ortho (London), MCh Ortho (Liverpool)—brings the latest and most effective treatment techniques for wrist injuries to Nagpur.
In this detailed article, we will explore what wrist fractures are, why modern fixation techniques are revolutionising treatment, and how they help ensure faster and more reliable healing.
What is a Wrist Fracture?
A wrist fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the wrist break due to trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, road accident, or sometimes even due to conditions like osteoporosis that weaken the bones. The wrist joint consists of two forearm bones – radius and ulna – along with eight small carpal bones. The distal radius fracture is the most common type, often caused by falling on an outstretched hand.
Common causes of wrist fractures include:
- Accidental falls: Slipping on a wet floor, falling from stairs, or outdoor mishaps.
- Sports injuries: Especially in high-impact sports such as cricket, badminton, or skating.
- Road traffic accidents: Particularly in two-wheeler riders.
- Osteoporosis-related fractures: Common in elderly individuals, especially women after menopause.
Symptoms of Wrist Fractures
Recognising a wrist fracture early can significantly influence treatment outcomes. Symptoms may include:
- Intense pain and swelling around the wrist.
- Deformity or an abnormal angle in the wrist’s shape.
- Bruising and tenderness in the affected area.
- Limited range of motion or inability to move the wrist.
- A feeling of weakness or numbness in the fingers.
If any of these symptoms are present after an injury, it’s important to seek immediate attention from an orthopaedic doctor in Nagpur like Dr. Vishal Sahni, who specialises in diagnosing and treating wrist injuries.
The Evolution of Wrist Fracture Treatment
Traditionally, wrist fractures were treated using plaster casts or splints to immobilise the joint until the bone healed naturally. While this method worked for simple fractures, it often resulted in complications such as:
- Improper bone alignment (malunion).
- Stiffness due to prolonged immobilisation.
- Delayed recovery of wrist strength and function.
Modern medicine has transformed wrist fracture treatment by introducing advanced fixation techniques, which allow for precise bone alignment, early mobilisation, and quicker healing.
Why Modern Fixation Techniques Matter
Modern fixation techniques offer a significant advantage over older treatment methods:
- Better Bone Alignment: Advanced surgical techniques ensure bones are aligned anatomically, reducing the risk of deformity.
- Early Movement: Patients can start moving their wrists sooner, which helps maintain flexibility and strength.
- Faster Healing: By stabilising the fracture internally, healing occurs in a more natural and efficient manner.
- Reduced Complications: Minimising risks such as stiffness, chronic pain, or delayed healing.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients can return to their normal activities, work, and sports faster.
Modern Fixation Techniques for Wrist Fractures
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni employs world-class techniques that he mastered during his extensive training in the UK. The most common modern fixation techniques include:
1. Volar Locking Plate Fixation
This is currently one of the most widely used methods for treating distal radius fractures. A volar locking plate is a specially designed metal plate placed on the palm side (volar side) of the wrist.
Benefits of Volar Locking Plate Fixation:
- Provides strong and stable fixation for complex fractures.
- Allows for early wrist movement and rehabilitation.
- Reduces the risk of loss of alignment during healing.
- Particularly effective for fractures in active adults and athletes.
2. External Fixation
In cases where the fracture is too unstable or the skin around the injury is compromised, an external fixator may be used. This involves placing pins into the bone connected by an external frame to stabilise the fracture.
Key Advantages:
- Minimally invasive and suitable for severe soft tissue injuries.
- Helps maintain bone length and alignment while the bone heals.
- Often used in high-impact trauma cases such as road traffic accidents.
3. Intramedullary Nailing
In this technique, a small rod (nail) is inserted inside the bone canal to hold the fracture fragments in position.
Why It’s Useful:
- Requires smaller incisions, leaving minimal scars.
- Less disruption to soft tissues around the bone.
- Suitable for certain types of simple or minimally displaced fractures.
4. Fragment-Specific Fixation
Some wrist fractures involve multiple small fragments. Fragment-specific fixation uses specialised mini-plates and screws to stabilise each piece of the bone.
Advantages:
- Ideal for complex, multi-fragmented fractures.
- Provides better anatomical reconstruction of the wrist joint.
- Reduces the risk of post-traumatic arthritis.
5. Arthroscopically Assisted Fixation
This is an advanced technique where a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the joint, allowing the surgeon to visualise the fracture directly on a monitor.
Benefits of Arthroscopically Assisted Fixation:
- Offers precise visual guidance for accurate bone alignment.
- Minimally invasive with smaller cuts and faster recovery.
- Especially useful for fractures involving the joint surface.
Rehabilitation and Recovery: The Key to Regaining Strength
Surgery alone does not guarantee full recovery. Post-operative rehabilitation is crucial for restoring normal wrist function. At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, patients receive a personalised rehabilitation plan that includes:
- Early Physiotherapy: To maintain range of motion and prevent stiffness.
- Strengthening Exercises: Gradual strengthening of wrist muscles to restore grip and flexibility.
- Pain Management: Use of medications, cold packs, and guided exercises to reduce discomfort.
- Lifestyle Guidance: Tips on safe ways to resume work, sports, and routine activities without overstraining the wrist.
Factors Affecting Healing of Wrist Fractures
While modern fixation techniques enhance healing, individual factors can influence recovery time:
- Age: Younger patients tend to heal faster.
- Bone Quality: Osteoporosis can slow down healing.
- Type of Fracture: Complex fractures require longer healing.
- Post-Surgery Care: Adherence to physiotherapy and follow-up care is critical.
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, poor nutrition, and lack of rest can delay recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Vishal Sahni for Wrist Fracture Treatment in Nagpur
Patients in Nagpur benefit from the expertise of Dr. Vishal Sahni, who combines 24 years of global experience with cutting-edge techniques to offer:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Backed by advanced imaging and clinical evaluation.
- Personalised Treatment Plans: Tailored to the type of fracture and patient’s lifestyle.
- Modern Surgical Techniques: Including minimally invasive options.
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Focused on faster return to daily life and work.
- Compassionate Care: With patient safety and comfort as top priorities.
Preventing Wrist Fractures: Tips for a Healthy Future
Although accidents cannot always be avoided, a few measures can reduce the risk of wrist fractures:
- Strengthen Bones: Through calcium and vitamin D-rich foods.
- Exercise Regularly: To improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength.
- Use Protective Gear: Especially while riding two-wheelers or playing contact sports.
- Fall-Proof Your Home: Keep floors dry and clutter-free to prevent slips.
- Bone Health Check-Ups: Especially for elderly individuals to detect and manage osteoporosis early.
The Future of Wrist Fracture Treatment
With ongoing advancements in orthopaedic surgery, the future holds promise for even faster, safer, and more precise treatment methods. Robotic-assisted surgeries, bioresorbable implants, and regenerative therapies are shaping the next era of wrist fracture care.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Faster and Better Healing
Wrist fractures can be life-altering if not treated properly. However, thanks to modern fixation techniques and expert care from experienced orthopaedic surgeons like Dr. Vishal Sahni at London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, patients can now expect faster recovery, better outcomes, and restored function.
If you or your loved one is experiencing wrist pain or suspect a fracture, don’t delay. Seek immediate consultation with Dr. Vishal Sahni, a trusted wrist specialist in Nagpur, for advanced, world-class treatment close to home.