Question 1

can you tell the difference between a sprain and a break in the wrist an xray?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can: In x-rays, a break will generally show as an interruption in the cortex of the bone, with displacement or not.  A sprain generally indicates an injury to soft tissues such as ligaments, fascia or tendon, which does not show up on x-ray.  Occasionally, a severe sprain may be associated with an avulsion fracture where a ligament actually pulls at its attachment to bone and "avulses".

Question 2

what is the difference between a sprained wrist and a displaced wrist? there is no break in the bone itself but it is no longer in place.

Accepted Answer

Sprain vs displaced: A sprain involves injury to the connective tissues around joints.  These can be suddenly stretched too far, or even ruptured -- causing pain and swelling.  You have many carpal bones in your wrist, and in injury (including sprains) they can move (be displaced).  Functional damage or instability in your wrist can result, and a hand surgeon is the best professional to help you.  Be well.

Question 3

what is the difference between a sprained wrist and a fractured wrist?

Accepted Answer

Sprained vs fx.: Sprain is soft tissue...Ligaments stretched.
Fracture is bone...Broken bone.

Question 4

is it possible to feel the difference between a sprained and broken wrist?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: It is clearly evident based on appearance feel and deformity a
while at other times x-rays or even MRI is needed.

Question 5

how to tell difference between wrist sprain and fracture?

Accepted Answer

X-ry and follow up: If patient have fracture on the x-ray that is very clear , if have unclear fracture when you see him in about 2 weeks you see the fracture. Of course we apply splint on him in the meanwhile.

Question 6

how to determine the difference between a wrist fracture and a wrist sprain?

Accepted Answer

Swelling: There is usually more swelling and defomity and pain with fracture. If pain/discomfort increases rather than getting better over time, have it checked for a fracture.

Question 7

what is the difference between a hand fracture and a hand sprain?

Accepted Answer

They are...: A fracture is a broken bone.A sprain is soft tissue damage, such as ligaments, muscle or tendons.

Question 8

what is the difference between a hand sprain and a hand fracture?

Accepted Answer

Bone vs joint: A hand sprain involves stretching/tearing of the tissues which stabilize the small joints of the hand and fingers. A hand fracture is a break in one of the bones in the hand.

Question 9

what's the difference between a broken and a sprained hand?

Accepted Answer

Structure involved: Fractrues are bone injury
sprains are ligaments.

Question 10

how can i break a sprained wrist?

Accepted Answer

Too much force: Sometimes injured areas are weak and may be more susceptible to further injury if there is a degree of weakness.  An external force applied onto or around the injured site may cause further more serious damage.  Have the sprain treated appropriately to avoid further damage.

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Doctor answers about:

What is the difference between a sprain and a break wrist

A member asked:

Can you tell the difference between a sprain and a break in the wrist an xray?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a sprained wrist and a displaced wrist? there is no break in the bone itself but it is no longer in place.

A member asked:

What is the difference between a sprained wrist and a fractured wrist?

A member asked:

Is it possible to feel the difference between a sprained and broken wrist?

A member asked:

How to tell difference between wrist sprain and fracture?

A member asked:

How to determine the difference between a wrist fracture and a wrist sprain?

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What is the difference between a hand fracture and a hand sprain?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a hand sprain and a hand fracture?

A member asked:

What's the difference between a broken and a sprained hand?

A member asked:

How can i break a sprained wrist?

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