Many wrist fractures that are minimally or not displaced may be effectively treated in a plaster cast. The position of the fracture during healing, however, may need to be closely monitored with repeat X-rays at intervals to make sure that the fracture is healing appropriately in the correct position.

Sometimes, the position of the bone is so much out of place that it cannot be corrected or remain corrected in a cast. This has the potential of interfering with the future functioning of your arm. In this case, surgery may be required.

Depending on the fracture, there are a number of options for holding the bone in the correct position whilst e it heals:

• Metal pins (usually stainless steel) combined with casting
• Plate and screw fixation
• External fixator (a stabilising frame outside the body that holds the bones in the proper position so they can heal)
• Any combination of these techniques