There are 27 bones in the hand and wrist. A fracture occurs when excess force is applied to a bone. This may occur with a twist, cutting or crushing injury or commonly from a fall onto the outstretched hand. When the forces are severe the bone may end up in multiple pieces or become significantly displaced resulting in a deformity. An open (or compound) fracture is when a bone fragment shows through the skin and is at risk of infection.

Many people think that a “fracture” is different from a “break” , but they are the same.