How Long Left Wrist Fracture Takes To Heal?

Posted on Tue, 15 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 Answered on

Tue, 6 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My son has a buckle fracture in his left wrist that occurred on March 19th. We didn't know it was broken because there was minimal swelling and he could move it fine. However, when it wasn't getting better, we took him for X-rays on March 27th and it was a buckle fracture. They casted him and it's been three weeks in a cast and 4 weeks since the injury. Do you think that he will get the cast off tomorrow and can he resume playing baseball? It's his non-throwing hand.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Fractures require time to consolidate after union Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing After going through your description of injury, these fractures are very stable and not known for displacement until and unless too much force is applied at the fracture site. Having said that such fracture heals (union) very fast usually in 4- 6 weeks time. After that cast may be removed. I usually remove the cast by 4 week time and followed by forearm brace if mild pain is there for another 1 -2 week. Every fracture after union requires some more time to consolidate, to regain the strength prior to fracture. In your child case it may be 4 weeks, after the cast removal. As far as playing baseball is concern my advice would be waiting for the fracture to consolidate. If he is too keen to play he may be allowed to throw the ball only, after consultation with your respected treating doctor. To enhance bone strength you may give him balanced diet rich in calcium (1000mg/day) and vitamin D (1000 i.u. /day) that is milk and milk products. Hope this information suffices. Take care and wishing him early recovery. I shall be glad to answer any further query. Regards Dr.chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (28 hours later)

Update, my son went to the orthopedic today. He got his cast removed. He was placed in a splint which the orthopedic said he should have on if doing any activity. He was cleared to play baseball with a splint. He did checks on his wrist, and there was no pain. He was able to do pushups and all movements the Dr. asked. However, it isn't fully healed yet. He suggested supllements (calcium and Vitamin D). While he is cleared to play baseball, he can't play catcher or 1st base, and should be limited to pitcher (non-throwing hand), 3b or outfield. This is all contingent on him swinging a bat and making contact with no pain, which I don't forsee being an issue, since he was able to do multiple pushups with no pain. Do you have any thoughts on this?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: Gradual increase in the sport's activity Detailed Answer: Hi It’s good to see you After going through the whole discussion we had I am glad to see your passion for sport. Having said that you may follow the suggestion as given by your treating doctor. Every tissue has certain fixed period to heal after injury, for bone it is 4-8 weeks in children. First 4 weeks for union and another 4 weeks for consolidation. Just weigh the pros and cons of early sport activity. My suggestion is let the tissue heal followed by exercises and gradually increase his participation in sport which hold the key to successful return to sport's activity. Take care and wishing him early recovery. Regards Dr.chugh, orthopaedic surgeon Virtual clinic at http://bit.ly/drmchugh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar