Wrist Conditions & Injuries

The wrist is a highly complex joint linking the hand to the forearm. It is formed by the two bones of the forearm—the radius and the ulna—and eight small carpal bones arranged in two rows at the base of the hand. This intricate network of bones, supported by multiple ligaments, allows for a wide range of movements. Because of its constant use and exposure to high impact during falls or sports activities, the wrist is highly vulnerable to both chronic conditions and acute injuries.

At Erlanger Hayes Hand Center, our team provides expert diagnosis, highly customized treatment plans, and comprehensive physical rehabilitation workflows for all conditions affecting the wrist. Below is detailed clinical information about the three most common wrist problems evaluated at our center.

Common Wrist Conditions Treated

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are the most common mass or lump found in the hand and wrist. These are non-cancerous, fluid-filled sacs that typically develop out of a joint capsule or tendon sheath. They can arise on either the top (dorsal) or the palm side (volar) of the wrist, as well as at the base of the fingers. While the exact cause of ganglion cysts remains unknown, they often appear or grow larger during periods of increased joint activity or repetitive strain.

Many ganglion cysts disappear completely over time without medical intervention. However, if the cyst causes localized pain, limits your range of motion, or presses on a nearby peripheral nerve (resulting in numbness or tingling), active treatment is recommended. Conservative options include dynamic bracing to immobilize the joint or needle aspiration to drain the fluid. If non-surgical methods fail or the cyst continuously recurs, a minor outpatient surgical procedure called a ganglionectomy can be performed to remove both the cyst and its stalk.

Wrist Sprains

A wrist sprain is a common injury characterized by the stretching or tearing of the strong ligaments that bind the carpal bones together and stabilize the wrist joint. Sprains typically happen during sudden acute trauma, most commonly from a fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH), forcing the wrist back beyond its normal structural limits.

Symptoms of a wrist sprain include immediate pain, swelling, localized bruising, and tenderness when touching the joint. Sprains are clinically graded based on severity:

• Grade I (Mild): The ligaments are stretched but not torn, causing mild pain and tenderness.
• Grade II (Moderate): There is a partial tear of the ligamentous structures, resulting in joint laxity, moderate pain, and swelling.
• Grade III (Severe): The ligament is completely torn, leading to severe instability, significant pain, and loss of functional mobility. Grade III sprains may require surgical repair or ligament reconstruction to prevent long-term chronic instability and premature arthritis.

Wrist Fractures

A wrist fracture occurs when one or more bones within the wrist joint break. The most frequently broken bone in the upper extremity is the **distal radius**, which is the large bone of the forearm closest to the thumb side. Fractures often occur from high-impact sports injuries, vehicular accidents, or a standard fall on an outstretched hand, especially in older adults with decreased bone density (osteoporosis).

Another common but frequently overlooked injury is a **scaphoid fracture**—one of the small carpal bones on the thumb side of the wrist. Scaphoid fractures require immediate specialized orthopaedic care because the scaphoid has a unique blood supply that can easily be disrupted by a break, potentially leading to non-union (failure to heal) or avascular necrosis (tissue death due to lack of blood).

Treatment for wrist fractures depends on the alignment and stability of the broken bones. Stable, non-displaced fractures are successfully managed using a customized cast or splint. However, if the bones are displaced, fragmented, or involve the joint surface, surgery is required. Our hand surgeons perform open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using modern plates, screws, or pins to restore perfect anatomical alignment and maximize functional recovery.