Imaging of acute injuries to the wrist and hand.

This article reviews the basic characteristics of common fractures and dislocations in the hand and wrist. There is increasing recognition that fractures and dislocations of the hand and wrist can result in long-term pain and dysfunction. This article includes descriptions and, when helpful, classifications for these fractures with attention to those features that are of prognostic and therapeutic significance. With prompt recognition and proper characterization of these injuries, patients can be triaged to the orthopedic surgeon for early and more aggressive treatment.