A wrist dislocation happens when the bones in the joint are pushed out of place, usually due to trauma or high-impact injury. This requires prompt medical attention to restore proper alignment and prevent long-term complications.
This article covers the symptoms to recognise, common causes of wrist dislocation, and treatment approaches available for this injury.
What Causes a Dislocated Wrist
Falls onto an outstretched hand: Landing on your palm with your wrist bent backwards creates pressure on the joint, which may cause dislocation during sports or accidents.
Motor vehicle accidents: The sudden impact and bracing motion during crashes can force wrist bones out of alignment, particularly when gripping the steering wheel.
Contact sports injuries: Rugby, football, and martial arts involve collisions that can twist or extend the wrist joint beyond its normal limits.
High-impact activities: Skateboarding, cycling, and gymnastics carry increased risk due to the potential for sudden falls or awkward landings.
Symptoms of Wrist Dislocation
Pain and swelling: The affected wrist becomes painful, with swelling that develops within minutes of the injury occurring.
Visible deformity: The wrist may look misaligned or appear bent unnaturally compared to the uninjured side.
Loss of movement: Unlike sprains or strains, a dislocated wrist becomes difficult to move due to the bones being out of position.
Numbness or tingling: Displaced bones can compress nearby nerves, causing altered sensation in your fingers or hand.
Treatment Options for Wrist Dislocation
Treatment for a dislocated wrist involves multiple stages, from immediate medical care through to rehabilitation. The approach depends on the severity and type of your injury.
Realigning the Wrist (Reduction Procedure): A medical professional manually repositions the displaced bones back into their correct alignment, usually under anaesthesia or pain relief.
Immobilisation with casting: Following reduction, your wrist is placed in a cast or splint for several weeks to allow the surrounding ligaments and soft tissues to heal.
Surgical intervention: Some dislocations or those with associated fractures may require surgery to repair damaged ligaments or secure bone fragments with pins or screws.
Physiotherapy rehabilitation: Once the cast is removed, guided exercises help restore strength, flexibility, and function to your wrist joint.
Recovery After a Wrist Dislocation
Most people with properly treated wrist dislocations can expect good functional recovery, though the timeline varies depending on injury severity and individual factors.
Recovery typically takes 6-12 weeks for the initial healing phase, followed by several months of gradual strengthening. Some individuals may experience ongoing stiffness or mild discomfort, particularly in cold weather.
Conclusion
If you’ve injured your wrist and are experiencing pain, swelling, or difficulty moving it, speak to an orthopaedic specialist. Timely assessment and treatment are key to restoring function, preventing complications, and supporting a smooth recovery.
