The wrist is considered as a complex joint that should move in different directions in order to accomplish both gross movement and fine motions. Due to the complex nature of the wrist, the possible complications from a broken wrist can lead to functional problems as well as chronic pain syndromes. There are various complications of a broken wrist that can develop that you should be familiar with so that early treatment can be started as soon as possible.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Fractures on the wrist can lead to an acute form of carpal tunnel syndrome which is also called as a carpal tunnel syndrome that is fracture-induced. Due to the mechanism of injury during wrist fractures, the key nerve that travels via the lean carpal tunnel situated in the wrist can sustain abnormal pressure placed on it due to the displaced bone fragments. If the individual falls directly on the wrist, it can lead to a contusion of the nerve resulting to bruising within the nerve tissue and pressure from swelling.
Chronic pain and stiffness
Once the wrist is fractured, it typically takes about eight weeks to heal properly. This tends to vary among individuals and the factors such as the severity of the fracture and bone quality. The symptoms such as aching and chronic pain as well as stiffness can last for several months after healing has occurred. The recovery period can extend up to a year with two or more years of ensuing aches and stiffness. Oftentimes, the pain and stiffness can be permanent.
You can enroll in a first aid course so that you can learn how to properly manage these symptoms. This is required for those who have enduring pain and stiffness to minimize the discomfort.
Post-traumatic arthritis
Once a wrist fracture involves the generally level cartilage surfaces of the bones that comprise the joint in the wrist, the restoration of these surfaces to their previous smoothness is no longer possible. The correct setting method and even surgical reduction can reduce the effects. Uneven surfaces can cause damage and result to fast-tracked deterioration of the smooth hyaline cartilage irregularly and hastily.
Complex regional pain syndrome
The complex regional pain syndrome is considered as a severe and very incapacitating complication of wrist fractures. The precise cause of this syndrome is called as a reflex sympathetic dystrophy which is not yet fully understood but believed to be due to the dysfunction of the individual’s sympathetic nervous system that regulates the flow of blood and sweat gland activity in the body.
The involvement of this nervous system is normal but in some cases, the normal quieting of the reaction does not occur. The symptoms of this syndrome can lead to severe pain, changes in the skin, changes in the nail and hair growth and even extreme sensitivity to touch.