Wrist Fracture Causes & Risks

Causes

A wrist fracture is caused by trauma to the bones in the wrist. Trauma may be caused by:

• Falling on an outstretched arm
• Direct blow to the wrist
• Severe twist of the wrist

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing a wrist fracture. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• For Colles' Fracture:
  • Advancing age
  • Postmenopause
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Osteoporosis
  • Poor nutrition

• For Scaphoid Fracture:
  • Participating in contact sports, such as football or soccer
  • Participating in activities, such as in-line skating , skateboarding, or bike riding
  • Participating in any activity which could cause you to fall on your outstretched hand

• For either:
  • Violence or high-velocity trauma such as an automobile accident