Wrist Fracture Surgery
in Singapore
A wrist fracture can happen suddenly during a fall, sports injury or accident, often leaving the wrist painful, swollen and difficult to move. Everyday actions such as gripping objects, turning a door handle or supporting weight on the hand may become challenging.
Many wrist fractures can be treated with casting or splinting. However, when the bone is significantly displaced, unstable or involves the joint surface, surgery may be recommended to restore proper alignment and stability of the wrist.
Wrist fracture surgery is performed to realign the broken bone fragments and secure them using specialised implants such as plates, screws or pins. The goal is to support proper healing, restore wrist function and help patients safely return to their usual activities.
Understanding Wrist Fracture Surgery
Understanding Wrist Fracture Surgery
What Is Wrist Fracture Surgery and Who Might Need It?
Wrist fracture surgery is performed to realign broken bone fragments and stabilise the wrist so it can heal in the correct position. Depending on the fracture pattern, the procedure may involve plates, screws, pins or external fixation devices to hold the bones securely during healing.
Surgery is usually considered when the fracture is displaced, unstable or extends into the joint, as these injuries may not heal well with casting alone. It may also be recommended when there are multiple bone fragments, loss of wrist alignment, or concern that the fracture could heal in a position that affects long-term wrist movement and strength.
Patients who may need wrist fracture surgery often include those with:
- Displaced fractures where the broken bones have shifted out of position
- Unstable fractures that are likely to move even after reduction or casting
- Intra-articular fractures that involve the wrist joint surface
- Comminuted fractures where the bone is broken into several pieces
- Fractures that fail non-surgical treatment or lose alignment during follow-up
Types of Wrist Fracture Surgery
The type of surgery recommended depends on the location of the fracture, how the bone has broken and whether the wrist joint is involved. Common surgical techniques include:
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
This is one of the most common methods for treating wrist fractures. The surgeon makes an incision to realign the broken bone directly, then secures it with implants such as plates and screws to maintain stability during healing.
Percutaneous Pinning
In some fractures, the bone can be repositioned without a large incision and held in place using thin metal pins inserted through the skin. This technique is often used for selected fracture patterns where less extensive fixation is sufficient.
External Fixation
An external fixator is a stabilising frame placed outside the wrist and connected to the bone with pins. It may be used for more complex or unstable fractures, especially when there is significant swelling or soft tissue injury.
Combined Fixation Techniques
Some complex wrist fractures require a combination of methods, such as plates with pins or external fixation with internal fixation, to restore alignment and support healing as effectively as possible.
What to Expect From Wrist Fracture Surgery
Wrist fracture surgery is carefully planned to restore the alignment and stability of the broken bones while protecting surrounding structures such as tendons, nerves and ligaments.
How to Prepare
- Temporarily stop certain medications, particularly blood-thinning drugs
- Avoid food and drinks for a specified period before surgery
- Arrange transportation and assistance at home after the procedure
- Keep the injured wrist supported with a splint or brace until surgery
Procedure Overview
- An incision may be made to access and realign the fractured bones
- Metal plates, screws, pins or other fixation devices may be used to stabilise the bones
- The surgeon confirms that the wrist alignment has been properly restored
- The incision is closed and the wrist is placed in a splint or protective dressing
Aftercare and Recovery
- Keep the wrist elevated during the early recovery period to reduce swelling
- Wear a splint or brace as recommended to support the wrist during healing
- Begin gentle finger and wrist movement exercises when appropriate
- Attend physiotherapy to restore flexibility, strength and wrist function
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor bone healing with repeat imaging
Treatment Benefits
How Does Wrist Fracture Surgery Restore Wrist Function?
Wrist fracture surgery aims to stabilise the broken bones and restore proper alignment so the wrist can heal correctly. For suitable patients, surgical treatment may help to:
Reduce Pain During Healing
Stabilising the fracture allows the bones to heal in the correct position, which can help reduce pain as the injury recovers.
Restore Wrist and Hand Function
Proper bone alignment and structured rehabilitation help improve wrist movement, grip strength and hand coordination for everyday tasks.
Maintain Proper Bone Alignment
Surgical fixation helps ensure the fractured bones heal in their correct anatomical position, reducing the risk of deformity or long-term joint problems.
Allow Earlier Controlled Movement
Stable fixation with plates, screws or pins may allow earlier wrist mobilisation compared with prolonged casting, helping reduce stiffness during recovery.
Understanding the Risks
Potential Risks and Complications of Wrist Fracture Surgery
Wrist fracture surgery is generally safe and effective when performed by an experienced orthopaedic specialist. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications that patients should understand before undergoing treatment.
Possible risks may include:
Infection
Infection at the surgical site is uncommon but may occur. Signs can include increasing redness, swelling, warmth, discharge from the wound or fever.
Delayed Healing or Non-union
In some cases, the fractured bone may take longer to heal or may not heal completely. Factors such as smoking, poor nutrition and certain medical conditions can affect bone healing.
Hardware Irritation
Plates or screws used to stabilise the fracture may occasionally cause irritation around the wrist. If symptoms persist after healing, hardware removal may sometimes be considered.
Nerve or Tendon Injury
There is a small risk of irritation or injury to nearby nerves or tendons during surgery, which may lead to numbness, tingling or weakness in the fingers or hand.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
CRPS is an uncommon condition involving persistent pain, swelling and sensitivity in the affected limb. Early movement and rehabilitation may help reduce the likelihood of this complication.
Post-traumatic Arthritis
Fractures involving the wrist joint surface may increase the risk of arthritis over time. Restoring proper alignment during surgery helps reduce this risk.
Cost of Wrist Fracture Surgery in Singapore
During the consultation, the orthopaedic specialist will evaluate the wrist fracture and provide an estimated cost based on the recommended treatment plan.
Key Cost Drivers
Because each fracture differs in severity and surgical requirements, the overall cost can vary depending on several medical and logistical factors.
Type and complexity of the fracture
Surgical technique used
Implants and surgical materials
Hospital or surgical facility
Surgeon and anaesthesia fees
Pre-operative tests and imaging
Post-operative care and rehabilitation
Insurance and Financing
Patients in Singapore may be able to use MediSave, MediShield Life, Integrated Shield Plans or private insurance, subject to eligibility and policy coverage. A detailed cost estimate can be provided after your orthopaedic specialist evaluates your fracture and recommends the most appropriate treatment plan.
Restore Wrist Stability and Function at HC Orthopaedic Surgery
A wrist fracture can significantly affect hand strength, mobility and the ability to perform everyday tasks. When the bones heal in proper alignment and stability is restored, patients are better able to regain comfortable wrist movement and return to their usual activities. Early assessment and appropriate treatment play an important role in supporting optimal recovery and long-term wrist function.
Restore Wrist Stability and Function at HC Orthopaedic Surgery
A wrist fracture can significantly affect hand strength, mobility and the ability to perform everyday tasks. When the bones heal in proper alignment and stability is restored, patients are better able to regain comfortable wrist movement and return to their usual activities. Early assessment and appropriate treatment play an important role in supporting optimal recovery and long-term wrist function.
Our Specialised Team
At HC Orthopaedic Surgery,patients with wrist fractures are cared for by a team of orthopaedic surgeons comprising Dr Henry Chan, Medical Director and senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon, together with Dr Nicholas Yeoh, Dr Toon Dong Hao and Dr Tang Zhi Hao. Through precise surgical techniques, structured rehabilitation guidance and attentive follow-up care, our specialists focus on restoring wrist stability, supporting bone healing and helping patients return safely to daily activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wrist Fracture Surgery
Can I choose to have my wrist fracture treated without surgery?
How soon after injury should wrist fracture surgery be performed?
Will I need to wear a cast after wrist fracture surgery?
How long will I be off work after wrist fracture surgery?
What can I do to improve healing after wrist fracture surgery?
Will the metal plates and screws need to be removed later?
What happens if my wrist fracture doesn't heal after surgery?
Meet Our Specialist Team
Our team comprises Dr Henry Chan, Dr Nicholas Yeoh, Dr Toon Dong Hao, and Dr Tang Zhi Hao — experienced orthopaedic surgeons with subspecialty experience and a patient-centred approach to care.
Dr Henry Chan
Medical Director & Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Henry Chan is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon specialising in joint replacement and complex revision surgery. Trained at the renowned Helios Endo-Klinik in Germany under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he has performed over 1,000 joint replacements and specialises in computer-assisted and robotic joint replacement techniques for precise outcomes.
Dr Nicholas Yeoh
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Edinburgh), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Nicholas Yeoh is an MOH-accredited orthopaedic specialist and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in hip and knee reconstruction in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he specialises in minimally invasive joint replacement, robotic surgery and advanced techniques that enhance recovery and surgical outcomes.
Dr Toon Dong Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Leeds), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Toon Dong Hao is a skilled orthopaedic surgeon and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in Advanced Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, Dr Toon specialises in sports injuries, arthroscopic surgery and complex shoulder, elbow and knee procedures to restore function and mobility.
Dr Tang Zhi Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Tang Zhi Hao is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle conditions. He completed his Foot and Ankle Surgery fellowship at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System in Seoul under Professor Jin Woo Lee. Prior to private practice, he served as Consultant and Deputy Head of Orthopaedics at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.