Will the metal plates need to come out?

Usually, no. The titanium plates and screws are designed to stay in forever. They are only removed if they become sensitive or interfere with tendon movement.

How long does a broken wrist take to heal?

Bones typically take 6 weeks to 'knit' together. However, it takes 3 to 6 months to regain full strength and for the surrounding soft tissues to recover.

Can I drive with a broken hand?

No. You must be in full control of the vehicle. You cannot drive while in a cast or splint, and you should check with your insurance provider once the cast is removed.

How much does private fracture surgery cost?

At Kinvara Hospital, private ORIF (fracture fixation) typically starts from £3,500 - £5,500. A fixed quote is provided based on the complexity of the break.

What is a scaphoid non-union?

It is when a scaphoid bone fails to heal. This is serious because it leads to 'SNAC' wrist (a specific type of arthritis) and may require a bone graft and screw.

Will I get arthritis in the future?

If a fracture involves the joint surface and isn't perfectly aligned, the risk of arthritis is higher. Surgery aims to minimize this risk by restoring smooth joint surfaces.

When can I return to sports?

Non-contact sports (running/cycling) can often start at 6 weeks. Contact sports like rugby or football usually require 12 weeks and a clearance X-ray.

Is the surgery done as a day case?

Yes, most hand and wrist fixations are performed as day-case procedures, allowing you to recover in the comfort of your own home.

What if my bone heals crooked?

This is called a 'mal-union.' It can cause pain and restricted movement. In these cases, we can perform a 'corrective osteotomy' to re-break and set the bone correctly.

Why is hand therapy so important?

Surgery only fixes the bone; therapy fixes the movement. Without specialized exercises, the tendons will scar down to the bone, leading to a stiff, non-functional hand.

Home Treatments Orthopaedic SurgeryHand Wrist Fractures

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Hand & Wrist Fracture in Rotherham

CQC Good RatedConsultant-Led CareAll-Inclusive PricingNo GP Referral0% Finance Available

At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, our specialist hand surgeons provide rapid, expert intervention for all types of upper limb fractures, including scaphoid breaks, distal radius (wrist) fractures, and complex finger injuries. Serving patients across Sheffield, Doncaster, and the wider Yorkshire region, Kinvara Hospital offers a consultant-led trauma service.

Medically Reviewed By

Mr Vasu Karri, MBBS, BSc(Hons), MSc, FRCS(Plast) • Updated 2026-01-17

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Hand and wrist fractures are breaks in the bones of the fingers, palm, or wrist. Treatment ranges from specialist casting to surgical fixation using plates, screws, or wires to ensure correct alignment. This condition affects many people across Yorkshire, impacting their daily activities and quality of life. Early intervention and expert treatment are essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, our experienced orthopaedic consultants provide comprehensive hand & wrist fracture treatment services using the latest minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based protocols. Our patient-centered approach ensures you receive personalized care tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle goals.

Serving patients across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, and the wider Yorkshire region, we understand the impact that hand-wrist conditions can have on your daily life. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes through expert diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive rehabilitation support.

Do I Need Surgery for My Fracture?

Not all fractures need an operation. Many stable breaks can be treated with a simple cast or 'buddy strapping.' Surgery is recommended if:
• The bone fragments are 'displaced' (moved out of position).
• The fracture involves the joint surface (intra-articular).
• The break is 'unstable' and likely to move during healing.
• There is an 'open' fracture where the bone has broken the skin.
• It is a scaphoid fracture in an active individual who wants to avoid 3 months in a cast.

Our All-Inclusive Promise

Fixed-price quotes for surgical fracture fixation (ORIF)
All hospital fees, surgical plates, and micro-screws included
Post-operative X-rays and imaging follow-ups covered
Initial hand therapy sessions and splinting included
Transparent pricing with 0% finance options available

Types of Hand and Wrist Fractures

The approach to treating a fracture depends entirely on which bone is broken and how stable the break is.
• Distal Radius Fracture: The most common wrist break, often caused by a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH).
• Scaphoid Fracture: A break in one of the small carpal bones. These are notorious for 'non-union' (failing to heal) because they have a fragile blood supply.
• Metacarpal Fractures: Often called a 'Boxer’s fracture' when it occurs at the base of the little finger, these usually happen from a direct impact.
• Phalangeal Fractures: Breaks in the finger bones that often involve the delicate joints, requiring extreme precision to prevent permanent stiffness.

At Kinvara Hospital, we use high-definition digital X-rays and CT scans to map the fracture in 3D. This allows our surgeons to decide if the bone can be managed in a cast or if surgery (ORIF) is required to prevent the bone from healing in a 'mal-union' (wrong position).

At a Glance

Surgery Duration

45 - 90 minutes

Anaesthetic

General or Regional

Hospital Stay

Day Case or 1 Night

Initial Healing

6 weeks

Full Recovery

3 - 6 months

Success Rate

Excellent (>90%)

Benefits of This Procedure

Restores perfect bone alignment to prevent long-term joint pain and arthritis
Allows for 'early mobilization,' reducing the risk of permanent finger stiffness
Provides immediate stability for complex or multiple fractures
Expert management of scaphoid injuries to prevent bone death (AVN)
Consultant-led care ensures the highest precision in micro-surgical fixation
Integrated hand therapy speeds up the return to work and sports

The Procedure

If a fracture is unstable or displaced, our surgeons use Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) to secure the bone.

1
Advanced imaging (X-ray/CT) to plan the surgical approach.
2
A surgical incision is made to directly access the fractured bone.
3
The bone fragments are carefully moved back into their original anatomical position.
4
A titanium plate, screws, or Kirschner wires are used to hold the bone securely.
5
In the case of scaphoid fractures, a specialized headless compression screw may be used.
6
The wound is closed, and a custom thermoplastic splint is often fitted by our therapist.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery Timeline

Week 0-2

The hand is protected in a splint. You must keep the hand elevated to reduce swelling and prevent 'throbbing' pain.

Week 2

Sutures are removed. Depending on the stability of the fixation, gentle 'tendon gliding' exercises begin to prevent stiffness.

Week 6

X-rays are repeated to confirm 'clinical union' (the bone has knitted). You begin light strengthening work.

Month 3-6

Gradual return to heavy lifting and contact sports. Most patients regain 90-100% of their pre-injury function.

Key Recovery Points

Smoking is the leading cause of bones failing to heal; we strongly advise quitting during recovery
Follow your hand therapy exercise sheet daily; the hand is 'designed to stiffen' after injury
Expect some weather-related aching in the bone for the first year
Do not remove your splint until specifically instructed by your consultant

Risks and Complications

Hand surgery for fractures is highly successful, but potential complications include:

Stiffness

Moderate (15%)

The most common complication. Scar tissue can cause the tendons to stick to the bone.

Non-Union

Low (5%)

The bone fails to heal together, more common in scaphoid fractures or in smokers.

Hardware Irritation

Low (5-8%)

Screws or plates can occasionally be felt under the skin and may need removal later.

Infection

Rare (<1%)

Managed with antibiotics and sterile surgical environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

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