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Wrist fractures are breaks that occur in the bones that make up the wrist.
The wrist is made up of 8 small bones called carpal bones that are connected to the two forearm bones, the radius and the ulna.
The radius is the larger forearm bone and is the most common bone to break in a wrist fracture. A distal radius fracture occurs when there is a break at the end of the radius closer to the hand, or wrist, rather than the elbow. At times, the other bone in the forearm breaks. This is an ulna fracture. Breaks in the forearm bones typically occur 1 inch from the end of the bone.
The most commonly injured carpal bone is located near the base of the thumb and is called the scaphoid bone.
Wrist fractures almost always occur with a fall on an outstretched hand.
Your child’s doctor will take radiographs of their wrist to evaluate the fracture and determine what type it is. Common types include:
Non-Surgical Treatment Most distal radius fractures can be treated non-surgically with a sling, brace or cast. Your child is typically in a cast for 4 to 8 weeks depending on the severity of the break. Your child will need follow-up visits with your doctor which will include X-rays. Your doctor will use these X-rays to evaluate how the cast is fitting and the alignment of the bones. If the fracture is angulated, it may need to be realigned. This is called a closed reduction.
Surgical Treatment If a fracture can’t be realigned and it will affect the motion of the arm, surgery may be needed. In most cases, closed reductions are performed along with medication. In some cases, a fracture will need to be treated using open reduction as well as hardware such as pins, plates or screws to help realign the bone.
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Knowing When to Seek Care for Your Child: A Guide from LuskinOIC
As a parent, your top priority is keeping your child safe and healthy. But when your child is sick or injured, it can be hard to know what level of care they need. Should you call your pediatrician, visit urgent care, or head straight to the emergency department?
For non-emergencies, your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric urgent care center is often the best place to start. If your child’s doctor isn’t available—such as during evenings or weekends—urgent care can provide fast, effective treatment. Contact your pediatrician or visit urgent care if your child has:
You may also have access to virtual urgent care for non-emergency issues, allowing your child to be seen by a provider from home. Check if pediatric virtual urgent care services are available in your area.
If your child is seriously injured or ill—especially if the condition may be life-threatening or needs immediate attention—take them to the emergency department (ED). Seek emergency care if your child:
Your child’s health matters. When in doubt, trust your instincts—and don’t hesitate to seek care. LuskinOIC is here to support your family with trusted pediatric expertise every step of the way.