English
Spanish
The cost of wrist fracture repair surgery can widely vary. Dr. Azouz will determine the surgery cost through a medical history and physical examination. Many workers’ compensation carriers consider this surgery medically necessary, but the surgery cost is also heavily dependent on the deductible and coverage policy.
Wrist Fracture: Dallas Hand Surgeons Dr. David and Solomon Azouz offer Wrist Fracture treatment.
Dallas Plastic and Hand Surgeon Dr. David and Solomon Azouz review fractures of the hand and fingers:
symptoms, surgical and non-surgical treatment, cost, insurance, and recovery.
Fractures of the wrist
Wrist Fracture involved broken bones usually resulting from a traumatic injury. There are 8 bones in the wrist (carpal bones) and two long bones in the forearm.
What are the symptoms of wrist fracture?
Bruising
Swelling
Pain, numbness, and/or tingling
Limited movement in the affected wrist
Bone protruding (dislocation)
Bone protruding tearing the skin (open fracture)
When does a wrist fracture require surgery?
A fracture of the wrist may or may not require surgery. Dr. Azouz will review your x-ray and do a physical exam to determine if surgical intervention is necessary.
A displaced fracture (meaning the bones are no longer aligned) will, in most cases, require surgical intervention to realign the bone. When a displaced fracture is repaired during surgery, it helps realign the bone. The realignment of the bone allows the patient to regain the function of their wrist.
Usually, a non-displaced fracture (meaning the bones are still aligned) can be treated with non-surgical conservative treatments.
What is the anesthesia for fracture repair surgery?
Dr. Azouz performs the majority of fracture repair surgeries with the combination of an axillary block, local anesthetic, and sedation. Local anesthetic is used at the surgical site with a combination of sedative medication to help you relax. The axillary block can last for 8-24 hours giving the patient pain relief during this time.
How long does it take to recover from fracture repair surgery?
It usually takes 4-6 weeks to recover from a nondisplaced surgical repair with Dr. Azouz. Patients are seen with routine follow-up visits in his office for more detailed post-surgical instructions. Dr. Azouz will instruct his patients on pin care and dressing changes. Hand therapy may be recommended to help regain full function of the hand.
How is a fracture repair surgery performed?
Dr. Azouz may perform an external fixation or internal fixation of the broken bone. With external fixation, pins are placed above and below the fracture site and held in place with an external frame. During an internal fixation, rods, plates, or screws may be implanted at the site of the fracture. In some cases, a bone graft may be used for a crushed or missing bone.
What are the risks of fracture repair surgery?
Fracture repair surgical risks include infection, residual joint stiffness, delay union, malunion, nonunion, and arthritis. However, if the patient declines surgery they may have loss of function, pain, swelling, and deformity. Dr. Azouz uses many techniques to minimize risks such as specialized medications and a tourniquet during surgery.
Can fracture repair surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes, wrist fracture repair surgery can be combined with any cosmetic procedures, tumor removals, or laceration repairs if there is multi-system trauma.
Wrist Fracture Frequently Asked Questions
What are the outcomes of a successful wrist fracture repair surgery?
After recovery, patients regain the function of their wrist. Surgery helps to restore the proper alignment of the bones and protect joints from arthritis, loss of function, deformity, and infections.
What are the non-surgical treatment options for wrist fractures?
For minor, nondisplaced, wrist fractures, splinting is optimal for the bone to heal. However, in most displaced fractures, surgery is necessary to fix the fracture and improve outcomes for better function.
What are the outcomes of a successful wrist fracture repair surgery?
After recovery, patients regain the function of their wrist. Surgery helps to restore the proper alignment of the bones and protect joints from arthritis, loss of function, deformity, and infections.
What are the non-surgical treatment options for wrist fractures?
For minor, nondisplaced, wrist fractures, splinting is optimal for the bone to heal. However, in most displaced fractures, surgery is necessary to fix the fracture and improve outcomes for better function.
