Several symptoms of wrist fractures that are easily ignored

Some fractures are not easy to detect and will be ignored. For some uncommon fractures, we should understand the symptoms and be aware of them so as not to miss the opportunity for treatment. The following types of wrist fractures are not easy to detect. Let's take a look.

1. Distal radius fracture

Routine anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique X-ray examinations are not likely to miss most distal radius fractures; however, non-displaced fractures, especially radial process fractures, are easily missed. Radial process fractures are oblique fractures that often involve the joint surface and often occur due to axial stress or direct blow.

2. Palmar plate fracture

The palmar plate is a fibrous structure on the palm side of the articular capsule of the metacarpophalangeal joint and interphalangeal joint, which prevents the joint from hyperextension. The distal end of the palmar plate is a thickened fibrous cartilage, attached to the palmar base of the phalanx, and its two sides are fused with the fibers of the collateral ligament. Palmar plate fractures often occur in hyperextension injuries and are avulsion fractures.

3. Fracture and dislocation of the wrist and metacarpal joint

Carpometacarpal joint fracture and dislocation are high-energy injuries, often accompanied by nerve damage. The carpometacarpal joint is composed of many bones, and there is a lot of overlap and obstruction on the lateral view, so the fracture is difficult to find and is easily missed. On the anteroposterior view, uneven joint surface, asymmetric joint space, joint cortical damage, and overlapping joint surface often indicate carpometacarpal joint fracture and dislocation.

4. Wrist joint instability and vulnerability

Perilunate dislocation and perilunate fracture dislocation often occur after falling on the palm of the hand, caused by hyperextension and axial force. The so-called "weak zone" includes the radial stem, trapezium, scaphoid, proximal capitate, proximal uncinate bone, lunate edge of triquetrum, and ulnar stem.