A lunate fracture is a break in the lunate bone, one of the small bones in the wrist.

It usually happens from falling on an outstretched hand, direct impact, or repeated wrist strain.

Symptoms include wrist pain, swelling, tenderness over the lunate, and limited motion.

It is identified through X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to check for the fracture and its intensity.

Yes, it can resemble a sprain or other wrist injuries due to similar symptoms.

Treatment options include wearing a cast or splint, and sometimes surgery.

Not necessarily. Stable fractures may heal with just rest, while surgery could be needed for unstable fractures.

Surgery may include internal fixation with pins or screws, removal of broken parts, or using bone grafts.

Kienböck’s disease occurs when the blood flow to the lunate is cut off, causing its breakdown. It may follow a lunate fracture if not addressed correctly.

Recovery may take weeks to months, based on the severity and treatment.

Yes, physical therapy is often recommended to regain wrist movement and strength after injury.

Finger movement may be possible but should be limited, as advised by a doctor to avoid putting strain on the wrist.

You can gradually return to activities based on your doctor’s advice, usually a few months after treatment.

Possible complications include lasting pain, stiff wrist, arthritis, or Kienböck’s disease.

A lunate fracture affects the lunate bone in the center, while a scaphoid fracture affects the bone near the thumb.

A short arm cast or splint is typically used to stabilize the wrist.

Pain relief can come from over-the-counter pain relievers or medications prescribed by your doctor.

Yes, swelling is typical and should decrease with proper care.

Reach out to your healthcare provider, as increased pain could indicate complications.

Yes, if not treated properly, it can cause ongoing wrist problems, pain, or arthritis.

Typically, you should not drive until you have good wrist function restored, and your doctor approves. clearance.

A brace may be suggested for extra support during healing time.

It usually happens due to loss of blood flow to the lunate, which can be made worse by a fracture that isn't healed right.

Treatment might require surgery, like revascularization or joint surgery, to fix blood flow and restore function.

Proper and quick treatment of a lunate fracture can lower the chances of developing Kienböck’s disease.

Good signs include less pain, wrist movement returning, and follow-up imaging confirming healing.

An MRI offers detailed pictures of the bone and soft tissues, helping to look for issues like blood flow problems.

Staying active as allowed, eating healthy, and stopping smoking can help recovery.

The time for physical therapy varies, often from a few weeks to months, depending on healing progress and injury severity.

You should only return to sports after full recovery and approval from your doctor.

Coming back too early may lead to re-injury or incomplete healing, which can affect sports performance.

Smoking can reduce blood flow and slow bone healing, raising the chance of complications.

Stay away from high-impact activities, follow rehab plans, and use protective gear if suggested.

With proper treatment, most patients heal well, though some may experience lingering symptoms or complications.

Yes, using X-rays, CT, and MRI together can help view the fracture and other injuries better.

Yes, you should avoid weight-bearing and stressing the wrist until a doctor approves it.

Minor scarring may happen, depending on how the surgery is done.

Yes, regular check-ups are important to track healing and catch any issues early.

There is a chance of developing arthritis, especially if the fracture is not treated properly or affects joints.

Repeated stress can make the wrist more likely to get lunate fractures, especially with high-risk activities and no proper protection.

Recommended exercises often include stretching, strengthening, and flexibility work, suited to your recovery phase.

Adhere to rehab plans, wear wrist protection, and slowly raise activity intensity as instructed.

Younger people might heal faster, but older individuals might need longer due to issues like bone strength and health.

Calcium and vitamin D might aid bone health, but you should check with your healthcare provider.

Not treating fractures can cause ongoing problems, bad healing, or issues like Kienböck’s disease.

Let your healthcare provider know right away about any new or worsening symptoms for re-evaluation.

Keeping the wrist still usually lasts a few weeks, based on what your doctor thinks about healing and stability.

Though rare in kids, treatment is similar but needs to be adjusted for their growing bones.

Delays can come from not keeping it still, bad nutrition, smoking, or not following therapy advice.

Avoid heavy lifting at first and only start again after full recovery and as your healthcare provider advises.