Wrist Fracture Treatment in Naples, Florida

A wrist fracture is one of the most common orthopedic injuries, often caused by falls, sports accidents, or sudden trauma. Because the wrist is made up of multiple small bones that work together to provide motion and stability, even a minor fracture can significantly affect daily activities. If you’ve injured your wrist and are experiencing pain, swelling, or difficulty using your hand, prompt evaluation is essential.

As a fellowship‑trained hand and upper extremity surgeon in Naples, Florida, Dr. Carmella Fernandez specializes in diagnosing and treating wrist fractures for patients of all ages. Her expertise ensures that injuries heal properly, restoring strength, mobility, and long‑term function.

What Is a Wrist Fracture?

A wrist fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the wrist break. The most commonly fractured bone is the distal radius, located on the thumb side of the forearm. However, other bones — including the ulna and the small carpal bones — can also be affected.

Common types of wrist fractures include:

• Distal radius fractures (Colles’ or Smith fractures)
• Scaphoid fractures
• Ulna styloid fractures
• Carpal bone fractures
• Complex or multiple‑bone fractures
• Fracture‑dislocations

Because the wrist plays a critical role in gripping, lifting, and weight‑bearing, proper treatment is essential to prevent long‑term stiffness or weakness.

Symptoms of a Wrist Fracture

Wrist fractures can range from mild to severe, but most cause noticeable symptoms, such as:

• Sudden pain at the time of injury
• Swelling or bruising around the wrist
• Difficulty moving the wrist or fingers
• Tenderness to touch
• A visible deformity or “crooked” appearance
• Pain when gripping or lifting objects
• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers

If you suspect a fracture, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to avoid complications.

How Wrist Fractures Are Diagnosed

Dr. Fernandez performs a thorough evaluation to determine the type and severity of the fracture. Diagnosis may include:

• A detailed medical history and injury description
• Physical examination of the wrist, hand, and forearm
• X‑rays to identify the fracture pattern and alignment
• CT scans for complex or joint‑involving fractures
• Assessment of nerve and blood vessel function

Accurate diagnosis ensures the most effective treatment plan and helps prevent long‑term issues such as arthritis or limited motion.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of fracture, whether the bones are displaced, and the patient’s activity level. Dr. Fernandez offers both nonsurgical and surgical options tailored to each patient’s needs.

Stable fractures that are well‑aligned may be treated without surgery. Options include:

• Casting or splinting to immobilize the wrist
• Closed reduction to realign the bones without surgery
• Pain and anti‑inflammatory medications
• Activity modification
• Hand therapy to restore motion and strength after immobilization

Nonsurgical treatment is often effective for simple fractures or those that do not involve joint displacement.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be necessary if the fracture is displaced, unstable, or involves the joint surface. Dr. Fernandez specializes in advanced surgical techniques, including:

• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using plates, screws, or pins
• Percutaneous pinning for minimally invasive stabilization
• External fixation for severe or unstable fractures
• Scaphoid fixation using screws for improved healing
• Complex wrist reconstruction for multi‑bone injuries

Surgical treatment aims to restore proper alignment, stability, and long‑term function.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is a key part of wrist fracture recovery. After initial healing, Dr. Fernandez may recommend:

• Hand therapy to improve motion and strength
• Range‑of‑motion exercises
• Grip and forearm strengthening
• Gradual return to normal activities

Early, guided movement helps prevent stiffness — one of the most common complications after wrist fractures.

When to See a Wrist Specialist

You should seek evaluation if you experience:

• Severe wrist pain after a fall or injury
• Swelling or bruising that worsens
• Difficulty moving the wrist or fingers
• A visible deformity
• Numbness or tingling in the hand
• Pain that does not improve within a few days

Prompt treatment can significantly improve long‑term outcomes.

Expert Wrist Fracture Care in Naples, Florida

Patients throughout Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Marco Island trust Dr. Carmella Fernandez for her expertise in treating wrist fractures and upper extremity injuries. With advanced training and a patient‑centered approach, she provides the highest level of care to help you heal safely and regain full function.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I have a wrist fracture?

Common signs include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty moving the wrist, and a visible deformity. An X‑ray is required to confirm the diagnosis.

2. Do all wrist fractures require surgery?

No. Many stable fractures can be treated with casting or splinting. Surgery is recommended only when the bones are displaced or unstable.

3. What is the recovery time for a wrist fracture?

Healing typically takes 6–8 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture. Hand therapy may be recommended to restore strength and mobility.

4. Can a wrist fracture lead to long‑term problems?

Without proper treatment, wrist fractures can lead to stiffness, weakness, or arthritis. Early evaluation ensures the best long‑term outcome.