Common Fractures Associated with Winter Weather
Fractures (or broken bones) of the ankle and wrist are common injuries during the winter months.
Wrist (Distal Radius)Fracture
A “Colles” (distal radius) fracture is a particular type of wrist fracture involving the distal radius. This very common fracture occurs with a fall on an outstretched Hand Surgery Seattle often breaking a fall. In our clinic, we can usually treat these with waterproof Goretex casting. However, some of these fractures require alignment surgery.
Bennett’s Fracture of the Thumb, Skier’s Thumb
A Bennett fracture is an injury that occurs at the bottom of the thumb. This type of fracture involves the joint between the thumb and the wrist bones. A Bennett’s fracture occurs as the result of a fall. Another common injury is skier’s thumb, where a skier excessively stretches out their thumb causing a fracture or a torn ligament. Both of these conditions usually require surgery.
Hand/Finger Fractures
Hand fractures are common injuries that can occur during the winter months. These occur in any of the hand or finger bones. Most fractures in the hand can be treated with application of a simple waterproof cast, however for some cases hand fractures may require surgery.
Scaphoid (Navicular) Fracture
A Scaphoid (navicular) fracture is caused by a fall on an outstretched wrist, causing persistent wrist pain at the base of the thumb. These fractures are unfortunately often misdiagnosed as sprains, which can lead to healing problems. If the scaphoid bone is broken (fractured), often surgery can allow for early recovery.
Ankle Fracture
An ankle fracture is the most common fracture that occurs with twisting injuries during winter months. Surgery is often necessary for ankle fractures to achieve proper alignment during the healing process. Our Seattle Orthopedic Surgeons specialists will align the structures of the ankle during the operation and cast the region afterwards to achieve and maintain the alignment.
Jones Fracture
A Jones fracture is a fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the foot. The metatarsals are the long bones that lead to the toes. Patients who sustain a Jones type fracture typically will have pain over this middle and outside areas of their foot. Snowboarders, skiers, and ice skaters all are at risk for this type of fracture. Swelling and difficulty walking are also common. The treatment of a Jones fracture involves immobilization with a waterproof cast. Surgery might be recommended to help healing.
Lisfranc Fracture/Sprain
This injury is the result of a dislocation between the mid-foot joint and the forefoot region. These types of fractures occur when the person steps improperly and the foot is twisted with much force. Most Lisfranc fractures and dislocations require surgery, and afterwards, casting is common.
Metatarsal Stress Fracture
Metatarsal stress fractures occur in people who have a sudden increase in activity. In the winter months, this could include snow shoveling, working on icy walkways, skiing, and snowboarding. Most of the time these can be treated with rest and possibly a cast, however surgery is sometimes needed.
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