[Closed] Broken Wrist

I broke my hand which required surgery and two screws, for the first 6-8 weeks of rehab I couldn't clench a fist and was preparing myself to have to stop biking, then the hand started working normally again. So, Id say its too early to tell, but if the doctors told you that you would heal then it will.

I've snapped my spine in three bits, and still riding. Time heals.

It'll depend on lots of things.

I was lucky with mine, smashed to pieces - so full of metalwork and no cast.

I was back riding my MTB and motorbike within 4 weeks, while the lad who was in the bed next to me still had a cast on at the 6-week appointment. A decade or so later I've more movement in the one I broke than the one I didn't.

Volar plate and multiple compression fractures to my dominant hand. Took an age to regain flexibility and it tells the weather, but it is now fine. Your MTB days are not over, but front suspension might play a more important place in them.

I think that's the same as my fracture- I've made a pretty full recovery, lost some movement/flexibility but tbh the main long-term effect was that not using that arm properly while it was healing meant I got a frozen shoulder which still bugs me from time to time.

I guess I would say that it kind of ended my "riding all the time" phase, the downtime was long enough that I fell out of the habit and I've never got back into it.

I was already in physio for something else so I had pretty awesome support from them from recovery- some exercises even while I was still in the cast, then when I went in for the first checkup and they said they'd put a new cast on it I basically grovelled and they let me leave with just a brace, so I could get into light rehab really early. Made a big difference, of course that doesn't mean it'd always be a good idea.

Raced the mega 7 months later...

Make it's reassessed and x-rayed after a week in a back slab, the bones can move and require surgery, after two weeks they will have to wait to it properly heals and then you are into plates etc

The failure to do this basic check meant £10k in wrist operations, a year off the bike and a significant loss of range of movement

I’ve been told it will heal well

Listen to a consultant, not us lot!

Abigale broke hers snowboarding about 10 years ago. She still managed a snowboarding holiday at Easter in the same year and was back out in the Alps the same summer MTBing

Never gave her any problems, on another note she has been back at the hospital today with the follow up on her broken leg and they are looking to take the plate out in 3 months so hopefully she will be back competing again.

She has used Fit 4 Physio in Sheffield for as long as I can remember who always manage to get her up and running or on the bike

Had a couple of fractures in my left wrist, basically broke the ends at the joints some years ago. Don't know the tech term. All sorts of tingling and numbness.
Didn't entertain the idea of not riding again. Worked hard on the physio and all good. Physio was the key.

Currently sat here with a double fracture of my pelvis which required a week in hospital halfway through november. Suffering numbness in the leg. Working at it, got my mobility up to only needing one crutch to get to the kitchen, from unable to get out of bed. Plan to be on a bike by Christmas.

Listen to a consultant, not us lot!

In fracture clinic two weeks ago, consultant: the break is here points at top of thumb. Me: no it's here points at bottom of thumb, show top of thumb fine. Consultant : ok must have misread x-ray, we'll give you a splint and refer to tho hand therapy. Hand therapy: that splint is useless, come back in a week and we'll do you a proper thermoplastic one. A week later hand therapy: that splint is useless, stares at x-ray for very long time, fits thermoplastic, tries to see someone, then phones me later, he's chatted to the hand consultant and I really really need to come in to see the hand consultant, appointment made, phones me back to cancel to my next session with him, me: why is the consultant operating on me, hand therapy: yes

Displaced distal radius fracture when I was 19, pinned and plated the next day. Cast off three weeks later, was able to bear weight and ride bike. Consultant advised me to use common sense when it came to restarting sports. Also the unhelpful line, "Well, it'll never break in the same place again".

My strong advice is to buy an NSD Powerball and the moment you have strength enough to use it, get started. Nothing like it for building strength and flexibility in your wrists.

It did in a month what two years of physio couldn't.

[When the cast comes off you may wish to have a warm bath and let the fingernails on your other hand grow slightly the week before. Honestly, the experience of removing all that dead itchy skin is revolting but almost worth breaking your wrist for in the first place]

Best of luck Jamesoz! BignDaft, there's always an outlier! 😉

Done the same bone, twice actually, no long term effects.
I've also done both scaphoids and other internals on hand, no issues with them either

If it's not displaced and there's been no surgery then the tingling will most likely be either referred pain from the injury site, bruising of the nerve from the original cause of the fracture (I'm assuming it's some kind of impact) or due to the swelling (and very possibly a little bit of all three) rather than anything more sinister. Keep an eye on it, if it's not improving or more importantly getting worse after 6 weeks or so then it may warrant a little more investigation, so mention it to the physio. So, in summary, it's not at all uncommon and may well last a month or two.

I'm fairly sure it was my distal radius I fractured a few years ago.

Waited two weeks to see a consultant if memory serves, who decided it needed surgery. By the time I got a surgery slot I was at the point where I could lift stuff up (e.g. hoover) with the broken wrist, surgery set me back somewhat!

I was off the bike for five months in the end, and was exceedingly cautious getting back into riding; but back to normal now save a (probably entirely reasonable) phobia of wet cobbles. Mobility is pretty much the same as the un-broken wrist. It aches sometimes in cold/damp weather, but otherwise all good.

I would concur with the advice to listen to your doctors, do the physio, and give it time to heal.

I broke my wrist jumping off a haystack when I was 13, while showing a girl how to do it without hurting herself. Still probably cooler than my MTB injuries.

Healing vibes anyway.

See my story here!

I smashed my left wrist to bits.. no surgery, but busted into various bits.
Was pulled and cast in pretty much an OK place.
Though I was in agony (not jsut the wrist, but whole body) I was determined to keep moving so carried on commute cycling (i had no choice really..small GP practice, no locums).

Once the cast was taken off my upperbody had lost about 3kg of muscle mass, and the Left arm and wrist were so weak and stiff.

I think the key is to start simple physio asap after the cast comes off - my orthopod gave me some real simple stretches to do, and i think doind these from day one was key.
The 'invite' for NHS Physio came about 3 weeks later - i was very polite, but told them i'd already restored full range of motion in the wrist, and having PT 3 weeks later is TOO late.

Anyway...
Back to smashing rock gardens, racing RIGID XC, Ard Rock etc etc..

I'm sure if they say it'll be OK, it probably will be.

Just be prepared to do decent physio

Good luck

DrP

I had a had a displaced radius head fracture in March this year. Operated on and plate and pins inserted. Was back on the bike within a couple of months.

Still have stiffness (especially in the cold) and it hurts to do press ups with palms flat on floor but it hasn't stopped me doing anything.

I don't mountain bike, but have taken the gravel bike on some red runs (Cannock and Sherwood so nothing too gnar) and that was OK - helped by Redshift stem.

Good luck with recovery.

BignDaft, there’s always an outlier!

The wrist saga was caused by a basic decision being made incorrectly, shouldn't have happened as the surgeon who eventually operated (twice) clearly made out to me. If the fracture isn't initially pinned it needs checking because it can move, guess what, mine moved, when I went in two weeks later I got what are you wearing that for from the Dr, x-ray confirmed an issue, massive impingement.

The hand therapy guy is a bit of a star, not the fastest but has clearly gone the extra mile. Initial treatment and assessment at local minor injury clinic has been excellent

The hand therapy guy is a bit of a star, not the fastest but has clearly gone the extra mile. Initial treatment and assessment at local minor injury clinic has been excellent

It's good to hear this!

I fully smashed my right into multiple pieces a couple of years ago. Plate and several screws to draw it back together. Second op to remove all that when it started causing further issues a year later.... now - it is fine, doesn't impede me at all. Broke three bones in my left hand 9 weeks ago, already back on the MTB (with a brace). Try not to panic too much, sure it will be fine long term.

broken distal radius

I've broken both of mine, left was snowboarding about 15 years ago, right was on the mtb about 5 years ago and both fully recovered. The bigger problem was loss of strength/flexibility from not using the arm in question for 5 or 6 weeks each time so look 2 build general arm strength as well as regaining movement of the wrist when the cast comes off. I took it easy for a couple of months when I started riding the mtb again

I had around 10 different breaks in my wrist when someone rode into me a couple of years ago. Spent 3 days in hospital and a lot of metal holding it together. The hand surgeon said it was one of the worst breaks he’d operated on

It still isn’t 100% and it probably never will be, however after 18 months I could finally go back on the mtb. My prognosis sounded a lot worse then yours, was told I’d never be able to ride an mtb again, so sounds like you are starting from a way better position than me

Good luck!

I did mine (non displaced distal radius) in 2008 on the megavalanche. I had a 5 week window before going to Les Arcs for 2 weeks.

I had 3 weeks walking to work, plus lots of turboing then fitted flat bars to my commuter and rode that in a cast. Got a gentle Mtb ride in, still casted up the weekend before I went away. On the Friday, got the cast cut off, rode home (VERY strange feeling) jumped in the car and drove to the alps. Then rode for 14 days non stop, including some of the best riding of my life.

I was basically really motivated to get it sorted. No alcohol and I splashed a few quid at physioclinic in Ipswich, which is very snake oily, but worst case, did no harm.

The wrist has given me no trouble since.

Grade 2 open compound fracture of the radius plus dislocated hand & wrist. Amputation was considered twice in the week I spent in intensive care.
Off the bike for 9 months and thought I’d never get back to where I was. Still riding 12 years later.

Stay positive.

I broke both wrists front wheel casing a hefty jump just over three years ago now. One was a distall fracture i think and I've got two big titanium plates that will be there for evermore. But, I barely give it any thought now - be it riding mtb, road gravel - hot or cold weather.

I must add that I haven't been going out of my way to do press ups, but I think I'm about 95% there in terms of movement, strength and fatigue resistence. You'll be fine!

Thanks all it's great to hear from most that the tingling is normal, happy to put in the work as was already doing 9 mins worth of planking plus other exercises daily. Not afraid of pain and working hard for the long term, already done two turbo rides.

Continuing to work an admin based job at home is frustrating only having my left hand in use. Got my first check up 20th December, should buy a season ticket to Kendal hospital for the month.

You'll be fine.
I do feel for you though.
I had 9 months last year of not being able to ride due to a 3 month delay in operating on my bust clavicle.
Being off the bike ****ing sucks.

Are you sure you should be weight bearing thru that wrist?

Are you only looking for positive stories? 😉

I broke my left wrist (scaphoid) about 25 years ago. It got misdiagnosed, then poorly treated, and no after care. Partly my fault but I was young and was going on the limited advice given and I didn't chase enough. It still gives me pain at various times and I have very limited mobility. On the plus side I've adapted to ride with it and it doesn't hinder much. 1x has helped as I always struggled with a left hand shifter. I have the dropper on the right, too. Wish I'd done some physio at the time but it wasn't offered and wasn't that bad then. It's just got steadily worse with time. Not very helpful but I would say get a second opinion if you have any concerns and follow up with physio

Broken Wrist was the Wifes first mtb injury since then she's done her collar bone and ankle 😀 so you got much pain to look forward to 😉

Keep wiggling your fingers and moving your elbow until the cast comes off; make it almost a tick, build a routine, so the only flexibility you're having to work on is the actual wrist (which will look like a baby's arm and have the flexibility of a piece of wood). It comes back. I swapped the brake hoses/cables on my bikes so the front was on my undamaged left, until I'd built strength back up.

I've broken/fractured mine 4 times. Docs did start wondering if I had brittle bones, but it was basically me doing stupid things like falling out of a tree, jumping off a moving London bus and crashing bikes when I was a lad. Thankfully all repaired well and caused somewhat less grief than, for example, ankle ligament damage.

Broke mine and needed pins etc to put it back together.

No problems riding just do your physio

put my mind at ease that my freshly broken distal radius doesnt mean the end of my mtbing ways?

I went on a week's mtbing holiday the day after doing exactly the same thing to mine. I can't say I'd recommend doing that but I had a great holiday and had it x-rayed and put in a cast when I got back. It did chafe a bit at times but ibuprofen along with compression and elevating it at night kept undue swelling in check. It's absolutely fine now so I got away without any long term ill effects.

I dislocated my wrist, broke the scaphoid and snapped some ligaments for good measure. About 12 years later and I only have about 50% range of movement but it doesn't stop me riding my bike at all, a good wrist brace helps me a lot to eliminate most pain. Make sure you get as much exercise in as soon as possible, I've had a lot of struggles just due to muscle wastage from so long in a cast.

And when I asked my consultant whether MTBing was a good idea (knowing full well I'd get straight back to it either way), he said I could trip and fall down the stairs and get the same injury so just get on with whatever I want.

Well at least you did it at the right time of year, you will miss the slop and be back fighting fit by spring.

My only advice is make sure you get some physio and good luck with the smell coming from the cast if you have it on for a while and are planning to ride on the turbo

admin based job at home is frustrating only having my left hand in use

At least CTRL-ALT-DELETE has gone! Use of non-dominant hand for mouse duties took an age to master, but master it I did - had no choice. As did left-hand coding at what was quite a critical time for work.

As did left-hand coding at what was quite a critical time for work.

And if you can't get help from your colleagues, at least it feels like someone else is doing it.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

I knackered my wrist falling off my bike in March. I've had dorsal and volar plates put in so it looks on the x-ray like someone left a bag of spanners in my arm. Almost back to full strength now, a lot of physio and work in the gym. Still aches a bit if I do too much and I've not quite got the full range of motion but I was back riding rather after three months (with a Mobius wrist brace which helped loads) and now back to riding my MTB, physically as if it never happened and mentally with a hint of trepidation.

Broken Wrist was the Wifes first mtb injury since then she’s done her collar bone and ankle 😀 so you got much pain to look forward to 😉

I've already done my jaw in three places along with three teeth gone, bruised ribs and broken finger. My baptism of pain is all done!

Are you sure you should be weight bearing thru that wrist?

Not weight bearing at all, I have the latest in turbo accessories...a stepladder and a pillow! It's only in a half cast so no chance of bearing any weight at all!

Where are you based? If near Sheffield / Rotherham I’m very happy to have a look. (Consultant Hand & Wrist surgeon)

Very good of you to offer but I'm Cumbria/Lancashire border

Great place to be! I grew up in Over Kellet, near Carnforth.

We're in the process of buying a house in Carnforth! I agree it's a great area to be.