Written by Mark Cohen, M.D.

It was the crack that broke the hearts of Cubs fans on April 19th. Now, while most of us will never be plowed down while covering first base, Derrek Lee's wrist fracture is a common injury seen more often in us regular folk than professional athletes. In fact, one out of four fracture visits to the emergency room is a broken wrist. That is of little consolation, however, when you think of the inconveniences attached to such an injury: the inability to write, type, drive, and yes-play ball.

Fortunately, advancements in technology and newer treatment techniques are allowing wrist fracture patients to get back in the swing of things faster than ever before. In many cases, they can resume their normal day to day activities even while their fractures are healing.

Advancements in Treatment

In the past, it was not unusual for a patient with a broken wrist to wear a cast for six to eight weeks or, even worse, an external metal frame drilled into the hand and forearm bones. Such contraptions keep the wrist steady so the bones can heal.

Fast forward to today. Wrists can not only be fixed through minimally invasive surgical techniques, but patients can typically use their hand and wrist within days of the fracture. This evolution of care is thanks to smaller implants known as plates. Newer plates designed specifically for the wrist eliminate the need for larger incisions and allow an early return to function. For some fractures, new bone replacement material is available. This bone cement acts as a "filler," helping restore stability to the broken wrist.

Who's at Risk

Broken wrists are more common in women than men, and usually occur by falling onto an outstretched hand. The incidence of fracture increases rapidly after menopause, therefore we find the highest percentage of wrist fractures in women between the ages of 60 to 69. Osteoporosis, or age-related bone loss, is mostly to blame. Even a fall that one may think of as minor can land you in the emergency room.

Since we are fortunate these days to be living longer (life expectancy in 2010 will be 78 years), more and more individuals may find themselves in this predicament. Just think, in 14 years the population in the United States will include 53 million senior citizens! Therefore, it's a good idea to eat right, exercise, and use vitamin and mineral supplements when needed to help stave off osteoporosis.

Prevention

Now that the weather is getting warmer, the in-line skaters are taking to the streets. The best protection for these individuals is wearing wrist guards. These are an inexpensive way to avoid the doctor's office. In the winter, use extra caution while navigating through icy streets and sidewalks.

Even if you do everything right, like Derrek Lee, and still find yourself with a broken wrist, remember you have a lot more options today that will lead to an easier and faster recovery. Typically, patients recover the majority of their motion and function within three to six months after the initial injury and can continue improving their strength and motion for up to a year. With that being said, hopefully the hearts of Cubs fans will be mended with the crack of D-Lee's bat later this summer.

For more information about this topic, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cohen, please complete the contact form within this Web site or call us at 877 MD BONES.