Possible wrist fracture

[65honeybee]

Anyone with experience of this (or medical knowledge) who can tell me about the healing process and likely time scales? I fell onto my outstretched hand a fortnight ago: very swollen and bruised, went to A&E as concerned about possible scaphoid fracture. The doctor was pretty sure the X rays didn't show any fracture and I was sent away with a wrist splint. I was subsequently contacted by the hospital to say that when the consultant reviewed the X rays, she thought there might be a small fracture, though she didn't specify which bone. She said the treatment would be the same as for a sprain, no cast needed, just the splint. I have a review at the hospital in 2 weeks time, but I'm left feeling a little concerned that the possible fracture wasn't picked up straight away. My wrist is still quite painful and it's around the actual wrist. The anatomical point which indicates scaphoid fracture really doesn't hurt much so I'm wondering whether it's another bone which might be broken.

If you've had a similar injury or know about it from a medical view, what was the recovery process like? I'm guessing this pain is still normal after just a fortnight? I'm coming up to 57 so I imagine healing will take longer than for a younger person, TIA

Bumping for poor you

I have one. Not much pain over the point. Just when moving. Hope you heal well.

Well, It's now in a cast. Went back to hospital yesterday after my appt brought forward and the doctor felt although it's a straightforward fracture a cast was best. Apparently this is a frequent thing with falls onto the hand, that issues are picked up a little later not on first set of x rating, who knew?

I've broken my right scaphoid more times that I'll admit on here. It's usually not picked up at first, but seen a week or so later, they can see a 'healing line' which indicates the original fracture. I believe its because the bones are so small and don't usually move out of place, you therefore can't see the actual fracture at first.

I've had a number of casts on and they've mainly been where you make the 'O' with your thumb and index finger, then tip your hand back a little bit, towards your shoulder..... If that makes any sense. Hurts like buggery at first but settles once the cast is on

Feel better soon!!

@65honeybee

Well, It's now in a cast. Went back to hospital yesterday after my appt brought forward and the doctor felt although it's a straightforward fracture a cast was best. Apparently this is a frequent thing with falls onto the hand, that issues are picked up a little later not on first set of x rating, who knew?

I knew! 😂

Honestly, X-rays are great at big fractures but really, not great at smaller or non-displaced fractures. Your wrist has a mass of small bones, many overlapping on the X-ray. Stabilising your wrist with a splint or a plaster is the way to go.

You'd be amazed at how many fractures are picked up 10 days later on follow up X-ray when you can see the healing process kicking in, on the images.

It's really not uncommon for a 'no fracture seen' initial report to get amended later to 🤔. This is them being thorough.

And we need to understand that a missed small break in a wrist bone, which you're already 'protecting' -isn't that big a deal.

Yes this is the reason for review clinics and review of x-rays as it's quite common for it not to be clear when the injury is new. As a PP has said, the area is protected by the splint and on review a decision can be made about what's best to do next.