Wrist Fractures in Texas Workers’ Compensation Claims
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Wrist Fractures in Texas Workers’ Compensation Claims
Wrist fractures are among the most common and most disabling upper‑extremity injuries in Texas workers’ compensation claims. The wrist is a complex joint made up of the radius, ulna, and eight carpal bones — all of which can be fractured during workplace accidents. These injuries often require casting, bracing, surgery, and long rehabilitation, and they frequently result in measurable impairment.
Despite clear medical evidence, insurance companies often dispute wrist fractures, claiming they are “minor,” “pre‑existing,” or “not work‑related.” This post explains how wrist fractures happen, how they’re diagnosed, what treatment is available, and how injured workers can protect their claims.
Understanding Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures involve breaks in one or more of the following bones:
- Distal radius
- Ulna (including ulnar styloid)
- Scaphoid
- Lunate
- Triquetrum
- Hamate
- Capitate
- Pisiform
Each fracture type has unique symptoms, treatment needs, and long‑term consequences.
Common Types of Wrist Fractures
1. Distal Radius Fracture (Colles, Smith, Barton)
The most common wrist fracture. Occurs during falls, lifting accidents, or machinery impacts.
Symptoms include:
- Immediate pain
- Swelling
- Visible deformity
- Difficulty gripping
See Wrist Injuries.
2. Scaphoid Fracture
Often caused by falls onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH). Frequently missed on initial X‑ray.
Symptoms include:
- Pain in the thumb‑side wrist
- Tenderness in the “snuffbox”
- Weak grip
Scaphoid fractures have a high risk of non‑union due to limited blood supply.
3. Ulnar Styloid Fracture
Occurs with distal radius fractures or TFCC tears. Can cause wrist instability.
See TFCC Tears.
4. Lunate Fracture
Rare but serious. May lead to Kienböck’s disease (avascular necrosis).
5. Triquetrum Fracture
Often caused by direct blows or falls. May present with dorsal wrist pain.
6. Hamate Fracture
Common in workers using tools with handles (jackhammers, drills). Causes pain in the palm or ulnar wrist.
7. Complex Carpal Fractures
High‑energy trauma can fracture multiple carpal bones. Often require surgery.
How Wrist Fractures Happen at Work
Common mechanisms include:
- Falls from height
- Slips and trips
- Machinery accidents
- Vehicle collisions
- Heavy lifting
- Direct blows
- Twisting injuries
- Catching falling objects
These mechanisms are fully consistent with compensable wrist injuries.
Symptoms of Wrist Fractures
Workers often report:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Deformity
- Clicking or grinding
- Weak grip strength
- Difficulty lifting or carrying
- Limited range of motion
Diagnosis of Wrist Fractures
Diagnosis may include:
X‑ray
First‑line imaging for fractures.
CT Scan
Provides detailed bone imaging for surgical planning.
MRI
Useful for scaphoid fractures, ligament injuries, and occult fractures.
Physical Examination
- Snuffbox tenderness (scaphoid)
- Pain with gripping
- Instability tests
Accurate diagnosis is essential for proving causation and securing treatment.
Medical Treatment for Wrist Fractures
Workers may be entitled to:
Conservative Care
- Casting
- Splinting
- Bracing
- Anti‑inflammatory medications
Surgery
Common procedures include:
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
- Scaphoid screw fixation
- Bone grafting
- External fixation
- TFCC repair (if associated tear)
Physical Therapy
Restores motion, strength, and stability.
Work Hardening
Rebuilds job‑specific strength and endurance.
Functional Restoration Programs
For chronic pain, stiffness, or psychosocial barriers.
Complications After Wrist Fractures
If untreated or under‑treated, wrist fractures can lead to:
- Chronic pain
- Instability
- TFCC tears
- Scapholunate ligament tears
- Post‑traumatic arthritis
- Non‑union or malunion
- Grip weakness
- Permanent impairment
Impairment Ratings for Wrist Fractures
Impairment ratings may be based on:
- Loss of wrist motion
- Strength deficits
- Nerve damage
- Surgical outcomes
- Chronic pain
- Instability
- Arthritis
Wrist fractures frequently result in measurable impairment.
Why Insurance Companies Dispute Wrist Fractures
Carriers often argue:
- The fracture is “minor”
- The worker had prior wrist pain
- The mechanism was “insufficient”
- The fracture is “degenerative” (not medically possible)
- The condition is “not work‑related”
These disputes can be challenged through:
See Aggravation Injuries.
How MLF Legal Helps Injured Workers With Wrist Fractures
Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers assist clients by:
- Proving the fracture is work‑related
- Challenging degenerative‑condition arguments
- Securing imaging and specialist referrals
- Fighting for surgical approval
- Preparing workers for designated doctor exams
- Challenging low impairment ratings
- Winning disputes at BRCs and CCHs
Wrist fractures are winnable — but only with the right evidence and strategy.
The Bottom Line
Wrist fractures are serious injuries that often require surgery and long rehabilitation. If you suffered a wrist fracture at work, you need a lawyer who understands the medical issues, the legal standards, and the strategies necessary to win your case.
Call MLF Legal - FREE Consults
If you suffered a wrist fracture at work, call the Texas workers’ compensation lawyers at MLF Legal today.
We fight for injured workers — not insurance companies.
FAQs: Wrist Fractures in Texas Workers’ Compensation Claims
Yes. They are compensable if caused or aggravated by work activities.
Many do — especially scaphoid, distal radius, and complex carpal fractures.
X‑ray, CT, MRI, and physical exam.
You can challenge the denial through extent‑of‑injury litigation.
Yes. Loss of motion, nerve injury, and surgical outcomes often result in measurable impairment.
Injured at work in Texas and your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
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