There are 10 bones in your wrist. Treatment of a fracture (same as a break) depends on whether it is: open or closed, displaced or undisplaced, stable or unstable. The radius and scaphoid are the most commonly broken and have their own summary pages.

A Colles’ fracture is when the distal part of the radius tilts backwards and gives the wrist and hand a typical ‘dinner fork deformity’. Undisplaced or minimally displaced fractures can often be treated nonoperatively in a cast. Displaced fractures usually require surgery.

The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone in the wrist. Its treatment depends on the position of the fracture and whether it is displaced. They can be missed on x-ray and CT. Complicated fractures may not heal, even with optimal management.

The scapholunate ligament is a short but very strong ligament. It tightly binds the scaphoid and lunate, two of the carpal bones in the wrist. Injury can cause pain and stiffness, but eventually it may lead to osteoarthritis. Treatment depends on the age of the injury, whether it is partial, complete or causing instability.

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a ligament like structure that helps provide stability between the radius and ulna. It is commonly injured during falls and sporting injuries. Injuries usually get better by themselves and are commonly found incidentally on MRI years later. Nonoperative treatment is usually successful but can take 6-12 months.

A dislocation is when the bones of a joint are forced out of their normal position and the joint surfaces are no longer touching. Unlike the finger, this is rare in the wrist. Perilunate dislocations rare but need urgent attention due to the risk of nerve injury.

Tendons are most commonly injured when they are cut. It is difficult to assess whether tendons of the wrist have been cut as other muscles can compensate. The tendons of the fingers and thumb also cross the wrist so a deeper injury can cause dysfunction.

The three nerves of the wrist are very important as they supply sensation and fine movement to the hand. A nerve injury should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent infection, but at least within 72 hours as the ends retract making repair more difficult. Partial nerve injuries can be deceptive. You may only notice a difference in sensation when it is compared to an area that is normal.

Infection can develop after any injury where the skin is breached. For this reason, wounds are often debrided, washed out and repaired in the operating room. This is particularly true for contaminated wounds such as bites, oyster shells or dirty tools.