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Wrist Dislocation; Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 2 min read

The wrist joint connects the two bones of the forearm (ulnar and radius) to the smaller bones of the hand. There are eight carpal bones in the hand which are held together and connected to the other bones by ligaments. The eight carpal bones that form the wrist joint are named as the Capitate, Trapezoid, Hamate, Pisiform, Trapezium, Lunate, Scaphoid and Triquetrum. Displacement of any of these bones may result in Wrist Dislocation. The condition may also be accompanied by ligament and nerve damage.

Causes

  • Fall on an outstretched hand
  • Sports injuries
  • Vehicular accidents
  • Physical combat
  • Direct hit on the wrist with a ball while playing or any other object may cause dislocations and fractures
  • Past injuries or hand fractures make the wrist prone to dislocations
  • Workplace accidents

Symptoms

  • Severe pain
  • Visibly deformed wrist joint
  • Swelling and stiffness
  • The joint may feel tender when touched
  • In case of nerve damage, a tingling sensation in the thumb or the fingers may occur
  • Bruising
  • Range of motion may be affected

Diagnosis

  • Detailed observation of the injured hand by an orthopedic doctor
  • Palpation may be used to check for exact point of dislocations and swelling
  • The mode and time of injury may be taken into consideration besides the symptoms, past medical records and injuries, if any
  • X-ray imaging may be required to assess the damage to the bone structure
  • MRI scan may be required in some cases for a better view and if damage to nerve or ligaments is suspected
  • Neurovascular examination of the joint may be done

Treatment

  • Application of ice packs may help to reduce swelling
  • Pain killers may be prescribed
  • Use of a soft bandage for compression and support may be helpful
  • Splinting the wrist and fingers
  • The injured hand should be rested on an elevated surface
  • Simple bracing and cast may be used to reduce the dislocated bones and restore functionality of the joint in case of minor injuries
  • Surgical reduction (putting the displaced bone back in place) may be carried out and the process may involve use of pins, wires and screws to hold the bone in place
  • The hand may be secured using a cast for a few weeks
  • The surgical procedure may be followed by a physical therapy plan to promote strength, stability and restore range of motion
  • Some changes at the work place may be suggested by an occupational therapist for recovery and prevention of future damage to the joint

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.