This fact sheet will focus on fractures of the carpal bones of the wrist. Wrist fractures of the radius, often called Colles' fracture, can be found on a separate sheet.

Scaphoid Fracture

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A wrist fracture is caused by trauma to the bones in the wrist. Trauma may be caused by:

• Falling on an outstretched arm
• Direct blow to the wrist
• Severe twist of the wrist

• Participating in contact sports, such as football or soccer
• Participating in activities such as in-line skating, skateboarding, or bike riding
• Participating in any activity which could cause you to fall on your outstretched hand
• Violence or high-velocity trauma, such as an automobile accident

• X-rays
• MRI scan—rarely
• CT scan—rarely

• Putting the pieces of the bone back together. This may require anesthesia and/or surgery.
• Keeping the pieces of the bone together while the bone heals.

Devices that may be used to hold the bone in place while it heals include:

• A cast—may be used with or without surgery
• A metal plate with screws, which requires surgery
• Screws alone, which requires surgery
• Metal pins that cross the bone with a metal splint on the outside of the wrist that holds the pins and the fractured bone in place—requires surgery

Your doctor may give you pain medicine depending on your level of pain. Your doctor will order more x-rays while the bone heals. The x-rays will help to make sure that the bones have not shifted.

• Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the wrist bones.
• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
• Build strong muscles to prevent falls and stay flexible.
• Wear proper padding and safety equipment when participating in sports or activities.