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Arthritis caused by broken wrist

Posted , 3 users are following.

Peteinterpol
Peteinterpol

My 20-year old son broke his wrist in a cycling accident last month.  At A&E the x-ray showed not too bad a fracture, a small chip off the bone. He was put in a cast and told that he would only hear from the virtual fracture clinic if they found anything from the x-ray.  He then heard nothing.  A couple of weeks later our sharp-eyed postman belatedly brought us some letters addressed to the wrong number in our street by the hospital. One included notification of a now-missed appointment.  My son rang and was given a new appointment two weeks later.  A new x-ray was taken and a new cast put on.  Another routine appointment then came through, at which today he was x-rayed and they took the second cast off but didn't replace it.  The doctor said the latest x-ray showed that because of the delay caused by the misaddressed letter, the fracture had healed just under a millimetre out of alignment. and this could mean he would get arthritis in 10-15 years, "but don't worry".  My son is very worried.  What is the actual likelihood? Are there any preventative steps that could be taken?

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • wknight
    wknight Peteinterpol

    Posted

    I wouldn't worry as its highly likely that he might get arthritis anyway. he also has to remember the huge advances in medicine. 50 years ago I was involved in a car accident which has resulted in OE in that hand. Am I bothered, absolutely not because I have had two finger joint replacements. 

    There are far more important things to worry about

    • Peteinterpol
      Peteinterpol wknight

      Posted

      Thank you wknight, that is helpful. Arthritis is of course very common and as you say, he might get it one day anyway.  But what concerns him is the prospect of getting it aged 30-35, which in normal circumstances is much less likely.  Would be good to understand the level of risk he now faces.
    • loxie
      loxie Peteinterpol

      Posted

      As wknight has indicated, arthritis following a break is quite common.  I mashed one ankle quite comprehensively back in 2008.  By 2010 the consultants had already confirmed that because I had no cartilage left, it had developed OA. Considering how really bad the injury was, I wasnt at all surprised.  To be honest, arthritis is something many of us develop just through 'wear and tear' anyhow.  I manage it.  It hurts sometimes and I learn now how to avoid over stressing the joint and how to relieve the pain.  Best advice, tell him to take care with that wrist and not to indulge in activities that put undue stress on the area and in all likelihood he can prevent future issues just by good management.

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