Wrist fracture treatment in Dubai

Where in Dubai

Dr. Subhash Ushakoyala, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, sees patients with broken wrists at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai. Wrist fractures come from falls at home, sport and road accidents. If the wrist is clearly deformed, go to an emergency department first. After that, or for a wrist that is still sore days after a fall, he reviews the X-rays, checks the cast and talks through any decision about surgery.

What is a wrist fracture?

The radius is the larger of the two forearm bones. Its lower end, at the wrist, is the most commonly broken bone in the arm. This is called a distal radius fracture. The usual cause is a fall onto an outstretched hand. In younger people it often takes more force, such as a sports injury, a fall from a height or a road accident. In older people, especially those with weak bones (osteoporosis), a simple fall from standing can break it. One common type, the Colles fracture, tilts the broken end of the bone upwards. Treatment depends on how far the bone has moved and whether the break runs into the joint.

Common signs

• Sudden pain, swelling and bruising in the wrist after a fall onto the hand.
• A wrist that looks bent or out of shape.
• Pain when you touch the wrist or try to move it or grip.
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers after the injury.
• A wrist sprain that is still painful and swollen after a few days, which may in fact be a break.

How Dr. Subhash approaches it

Dr. Subhash lists fractures and dislocations, and road traffic accidents, in his trauma work, and hand trauma under hand surgery. He has worked in trauma and emergency orthopaedics in India and the UAE. He looks at the X-rays to see how far the bone has moved and whether the joint surface is involved, then explains whether a cast is enough or whether the bone needs to be set or fixed. For older patients after a simple fall, he also raises bone health.

What to expect

1. 01

   First care

   The wrist is supported in a splint or sling, with ice and pain relief, and X-rayed. A CT scan is sometimes needed if the break runs into the joint.

2. 02

   Setting the bone

   If the bone has moved, it may be eased back into place without an operation, with the wrist numbed or with sedation. This is called a reduction.

3. 03

   Cast

   Many breaks heal in a splint and then a cast. Repeat X-rays in the first weeks check that the bone stays in position.

4. 04

   Surgery if needed

   If the bone is badly out of place, unstable or broken into the joint, it may be fixed with a plate and screws, pins, or a frame outside the arm.

5. 05

   Therapy and follow-up

   Once the cast is off, or soon after surgery, exercises bring back movement and grip. He reviews the X-rays at planned visits.

Getting better

Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.

• Without surgery, the cast usually comes off about four to six weeks after the injury.
• Most breaks hurt for a few weeks; pain usually eases well before the bone is fully healed.
• Light everyday tasks usually return over the following weeks; heavier lifting and sport take longer.
• Stiffness and some ache can last for months, and full recovery can take up to a year.

Risks to know about

• Stiffness of the wrist and fingers, which is why finger movement starts early.
• The bone healing in a slightly bent position, which can affect grip.
• After surgery: infection, irritation from the plate, or nerve problems, all uncommon.

When to book a visit

Where to book