Distal radius fracture, or broken wrist, accounts for 16 percent to 25 percent of all broken bones treated in the emergency room. There are more than a million hand fractures each year, resulting in almost 2 million days lost from work.

Most of these injuries occur in falls as well as other accidents around the house or workplace.

We all know how important it is to maintain full function of our hands and upper extremities in daily life. But people may not realize how important it is to get the proper treatment for these types of injuries. If they don't, they put themselves at risk for long-term problems, including arthritis or permanent disabilities. Practice basic caution while using tools and practice safety by doing such things as wearing wrist guards when rollerblading to help prevent serious hand and wrist injuries.

Dr. In Sok Yi is an orthopedic surgeon at Porter Adventist Hospital.

Contact information: Hand Surgery Associates, 303-744-7078