Wrist Sprain

Autor: RAFAŁ CZEPUŁKOWSKI
Consultation KRZYSZTOF DROZD
Date added 11.12.2024
Date of last revision 11.12.2024

Table of contents:

A wrist sprain is a very common injury. It primarily affects young individuals engaged in sports, especially extreme sports, and older people, who are more prone to such injuries during slips or falls on slippery surfaces. Wrist pain can result from stretching or tearing of ligaments. The most commonly injured ligaments are the scapholunate ligament and the lunotriquetral ligament.

Table of contents:

Grades of Wrist Sprain

  • Grade 1 (Mild): The ligament is stretched but not torn.
  • Grade 2 (Moderate): The ligament is partially torn.
  • Grade 3 (Severe): The ligament is completely torn or detached from its bone attachment.

Causes of a Wrist Sprain

Wrist sprains are most commonly caused by falling onto an outstretched hand. While this can happen during daily activities, it is frequently associated with sports or outdoor recreation.

Symptoms of a Wrist Sprain

  • Pain in the wrist
  • Increased pain during wrist flexion and extension
  • Swelling of the joint
  • Bruising around the wrist
  • Warmth in the affected area
  • Restricted wrist mobility

Scapholunate Ligament (SL)

Injury to the scapholunate ligament often occurs from a fall onto an outstretched hand with the wrist extended and ulnarly deviated. This results in swelling and pain along the dorsum of the wrist. Tenderness is most pronounced between the scaphoid and lunate bones. Diagnosis relies primarily on clinical evaluation, supported by imaging such as ultrasound (USG) and MRI. During the Watson’s test, pain intensifies, and a "clunk" may be heard. In cases of ligament rupture, widening of the radiologic gap between the bones and dorsal instability can be observed. This damage is visible on an X-ray taken with a clenched fist. MRI and ultrasound often reveal complete ligament tears.

Surgical Treatment: This involves arthroscopy, during which the ligament is sutured or reconstructed. For chronic injuries, ligament reconstruction becomes necessary.

Lunotriquetral Ligament (LT)

Injury to the lunotriquetral ligament often occurs from a fall onto an outstretched hand with the wrist extended and radially deviated. Symptoms include pain on the ulnar side of the wrist and weakness in the limb. Tenderness is most pronounced between the lunate and triquetrum bones. Diagnosis in most cases is based on clinical examination. Imaging techniques such as X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI do not always confirm the injury.

Treatment:
In cases without complete ligament rupture, conservative treatment is attempted. The wrist is immobilized, and the patient can resume physical activity after a few weeks.
Surgical intervention is considered if conservative treatment fails. Return to sports is possible a few months after the procedure.

Post-Injury Management of a Wrist Sprain

Managing a wrist sprain requires prompt action, including:

  • Cooling the wrist
  • Immobilizing it with a bandage
  • Using a wrist brace
  • Failure to immobilize the wrist immediately increases the risk of developing chronic post-traumatic inflammation.

Preventing Wrist Sprains

Wrist sprains are usually the result of falls, so extra caution is needed when walking on wet or slippery surfaces. Sprains also occur during sports such as skating, skateboarding, and skiing. Wearing wrist guards during these activities can help support the wrist and prevent hyperextension during a fall.

Related Articles:
Explore other potential injuries to the hand and wrist.

Bibliography:

Autor
RAFAŁ CZEPUŁKOWSKI
RAFAŁ CZEPUŁKOWSKI

Specjalista do spraw content marketingu, dziennikarz sportowy i medyczny. Redaktor naczelny magazynu „Poradnik Zdrowie i Sport”, członek Dziennikarskiego Klubu Promocji Zdrowia, współtwórca wielu artykułów medycznych z zakresu ortopedii i urazowości w sporcie.

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Konsultacja merytoryczna
KRZYSZTOF DROZD
KRZYSZTOF DROZD

Lekarz w klinice Rehasport, specjalizuje się w ortopedii i traumatologii narządu ruchu z ukierunkowaniem na kończynę górną oraz alloplastykę stawu biodrowego, kolanowego i ramiennego. Ortopeda na Oddziale Urazowo-Ortopedycznym Szpitala w Gdańsku. 

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