The wrist is a joint composed of multiple articulations between the forearm bones (radius and ulna) and several carpal bones (hand bones). The wrist is an extremely mobile and adaptable joint of our body that has the important function of allowing fine movements of our hands. Wrist stability is maintained by passive (e.g.: capsule, ligaments, etc.) and active (muscles) stabilisers, which have the function of supporting the joint throughout different movements. A wrist sprain is a general medical term implemented to describe a condition where a traumatic event or a repetitive overuse occurs in the wrist and twists the joint, often leading to some degree of ligament injuries. This type of injury is common in both athletic and general populations and is typically caused by a fall on the outstretched hand or a force applied to the hand that leads to a twisting motion of the wrist (e.g.: impact with an external object). Patients affected by this injury typically present with generalised pain in the wrist that can radiate to other structures and be more intense on the sprained ligament. Other symptoms include swelling, bruising, stiffness, sensation of instability, and impacted wrist functioning. Aside from collecting data from the injury mechanisms and performing a physical assessment of the patient, an imaging examination (e.g.: x-ray, computed tomography, MRI) is typically performed to optimally visualise the specifics of the injury.
