Short-Term Rehab for Wrist Fractures in Older Adults

Wrist fractures are one of most common injuries among the elderly. Conditions like osteoporosis and balance issues increase the risk of fracture for older individuals. Short-term rehabilitation can help patients recover and serve as a preventative measure against future incidents.

Background on Fractures

Wrist fractures account for roughly one-sixth of all emergency room visits for a broken bone; women over 50 make up about 15 percent of these incidents. Wrist fractures generally occur after a fall, leading to a combination of swelling, pain, tenderness and limited motion.

Patients who can still partially move their wrist might not seek treatment right away or at all. However, an untreated wrist fracture will not heal properly and could lead to joint damage and arthritis.

The best course of action is to seek treatment right away. After the injury heals, physical and occupational therapy sessions work on improving strength, motion and functionality.

Wrist Fractures and Balance

A study by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons found that elderly patients who experienced a low-energy distal radius wrist fracture had a higher likelihood of balance problems prior to the injury.

Researchers examined a pool of 46 subjects, half of whom had experienced a wrist fracture. Controlled for sex, age, weight, physical activity and health, it was discovered that individuals in the wrist fracture group were more likely to have balance problems.

Another study published in BMC Geriatrics shows what can happen after a fall leads to wrist fracture. Following a thorough examination of emergency room visits for wrist fractures, researchers found that nearly one-third of all subjects experienced a subsequent fall within six months. Patients prone to a second fall were more likely to have another health condition, take multiple medications or already have a lower quality of life prior to the fall.

Following a Wrist Fracture

Elderly patients who experience a wrist fracture can receive two types of treatments:

• Non-Surgical: Patients wear a splint or cast for the next four to six weeks. After the wrist heals and the cast is removed, the patient undergoes physical rehabilitation to regain pre-injury strength and mobility.
• Surgical: Medical procedures align bones damaged in the fracture with pins or screws for mobility. The wrist and hand are placed in a cast and, once the injury heals, the patient will be referred for rehab. In these instances, exercises further help the individual improve fine motor skills and may be needed over a longer period of time.

Whether or not the injury requires surgery, patients should ease back into their daily routine:

• You’ll be provided a removable wrist splint, which may be used for support as you drive, carry items, perform moderate housework or sleep.
• You’ll be given exercises and stretches that focus on the wrist, fingers and forearm to increase range of motion and strengthen your grip and motor skills.
• Due to balance issues, your therapists may address various mobility problems, physical limits and adaptive strategies developed with age. Exercises like water aerobics and brisk walks may address lower-body weakness and muscle atrophy to keep the muscles active.

As you recover from a wrist fracture, you need more than rest to properly heal. A short-term rehabilitation center can restore joint movement and increase lower body muscle strength. To learn what West Hartford Health and Rehabilitation can offer you, contact us today.