Overview
Your child's wrist can be forced out of its normal position (dislocated) if your child falls on it hard. This can happen in a crash or when playing sports.
When the wrist is dislocated, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves can be damaged. Your child may need more treatment.
The doctor put your child's wrist back in its normal position and may have put it in a cast or splint. This will help keep your child's wrist stable until your follow-up appointment.
Your child may need surgery because a dislocated wrist is usually also broken.
It may take weeks or months for the wrist to heal, depending on how bad the injury is.
The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter V517 in the search box to learn more about "Dislocated Wrist in Children: Care Instructions".