Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: September 24, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for a Bump on the Wrist after a Fall

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Wrist Sprain: This is the most common injury after a fall onto an outstretched hand, leading to swelling and a bump on the wrist due to ligamentous injury.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Wrist Fracture: A fracture, especially of the distal radius (Colles' fracture), is a common consequence of falling onto an outstretched hand, which could present as a bump or deformity on the wrist.
  • Hematoma: Blood accumulation under the skin due to injury from the fall, which could appear as a bump.
  • Contusion: A bruise resulting from blood leakage into the tissues after an injury, which might feel like a bump.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Scaphoid Fracture: Although less common, a fracture of the scaphoid bone is a significant concern because it can lead to avascular necrosis if not promptly diagnosed and treated. It often presents with wrist pain and swelling but might not always have an obvious deformity.
  • Ganglion Cyst Rupture: If a pre-existing ganglion cyst ruptures due to the fall, it could cause acute swelling and a bump. While not usually dangerous, missing this diagnosis could lead to unnecessary tests or treatments.
  • Compartment Syndrome: A rare but serious condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment leads to nerve and muscle damage. It's crucial to identify this condition early to prevent long-term damage.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Osteochondritis Dissecans: A joint condition in which a piece of cartilage, along with a thin layer of the bone beneath it, comes loose from the end of a bone because of inadequate blood supply. It could potentially be exacerbated by a fall.
  • Infection (e.g., Cellulitis or Abscess): If the skin is broken during the fall, there's a risk of infection, which could present as a bump or swelling on the wrist.
  • Tumor: Although extremely rare, a pre-existing tumor could potentially be irritated or become more noticeable after a fall, presenting as a new bump on the wrist.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.