What should you know about dislocated wrist vs broken wrist?

A dislocated wrist has displaced joint surfaces, while a broken wrist has a crack or break in bone; either needs prompt assessment. The two injuries can occur together and may cause pain, swelling, bruising, deformity and difficulty moving the hand.

A dislocation affects the alignment of a joint and its supporting ligaments. A broken wrist, often involving the end of the radius, affects bone and may alter the joint surface. A Distal Radius Fracture can therefore resemble a dislocation, especially when swelling develops quickly.

A clinician uses the injury history and examination, then imaging such as an X-ray when needed. The appearance of the wrist cannot reliably tell you which injury is present or whether both are present.

Keep the wrist in the position found and support it with a padded splint. Remove rings and watches before swelling increases, use a wrapped cold pack, and elevate the hand if that does not increase pain. Do not test the joint, straighten a deformity, or attempt a reduction yourself.

Treatment may involve Closed Reduction, Fracture Casting or Fracture Fixation Surgery, depending on alignment, bone injury and stability. Hand Therapy may help restore movement later.

Seek emergency assessment after a fall, impact or twist when pain is severe, the wrist is visibly out of shape, or fingers cannot move normally. Cold, pale or blue fingers, numbness, worsening tingling, weakness, an open wound or rapidly increasing swelling are urgent warning signs. Do not drive if the injury limits control of the vehicle.

Ask whether imaging shows a fracture, dislocation or both, whether the joint is aligned, and whether nerves and circulation are normal. Ask which support is needed, how long it should stay on, when movement begins, and what follow-up will check.