How does a person break his or her wrist?

Common causes of broken wrists include direct trauma to the wrist, such as by a blunt object, falling to the ground with the arm outstretched, motor vehicle accidents and any external force that causes the wrist to twist. Wrist breaks and fractures are also common among sports injuries, especially when participants frequently fall, according to the Mayo Clinic.

A broken wrist might require surgery, traction, casts and the insertion of screws or plates to stabilize the bones, according to New York University's Department of Pediatrics. Some wrist fractures and breaks result in long-term or permanent symptoms, such as aching joints or limited range of motion.