In Canada, many of us are wary of when the snow starts to fall and the ground gets icy, especially if you are one of the many people who have been injured in a fall. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, four out of five injury hospitalizations involving seniors were due to falls. From 2016-2019, injury hospitalizations among seniors due to falls increased by 9%.
Cold weather can also make muscles and ligaments cold and tight, increasing the propensity for injury in all age groups. One of the most common injuries occurs when you try to break your fall with your hands, often resulting in a wrist fracture.
The wrist is made up of eight small bones which connect with the two long forearm bones called the radius and ulna. Although a broken wrist can happen in any of these 10 bones, by far the most common bone to break is the radius – called a distal radius fracture. The scaphoid bone, one of the small wrist bones, can also be commonly fractured after such a fall. Bone diseases like osteoporosis can also increase the likelihood of a fracture.
With a distal radius fracture, there is often pain, swelling, or difficulty moving or using the hand and wrist. A bone out of place can make the wrist appear deformed and sometimes the fingers tingle or feel numb at the tips.
Symptoms of a scaphoid fracture typically include pain and tenderness in the area just below the base of the thumb, which may worsen when you try to pinch or grasp something. However, unless you or your doctor sees a visible deformation of your wrist, it might not be obvious that your scaphoid bone is broken. Sometimes, the pain is mild and may be mistaken for a wrist sprain.
Seeing a physician after such a fall is important in helping to avoid potential complications of a fracture, such as the bone not healing, disrupted blood supply to the bone, or development of early arthritis.
Depending on the type of fracture, wrist injuries can be treated with splints or casts. In more serious or complex breaks, surgery may be required to correctly position and stabilize damaged bones.
Treatment for a scaphoid fracture can range from casting to surgery, depending on the fracture’s severity and location in the bone. That’s why it’s important to accurately diagnose and localize the fracture.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may send you for an X-ray to determine if there are any fractured bones. Interestingly, scaphoid fractures cannot always be seen on X-rays immediately after the injury. If your doctor suspects that you have a fracture, but it’s not visible on an X-ray, he or she may recommend that you wear a wrist splint or cast for 2-3 weeks and then return for a follow-up X-ray. Alternatively, additional imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) imaging, or a bone scan can be performed.
SPECT/CT image of scaphoid fracture
It’s important to speak to your health care practitioner about your options if you are experiencing pain in the wrist after a fall.
For more information about Mayfair Diagnostics, visit our locations or our services pages.
REFERENCES
Alberta Health Services (2022) “Preventing Falls.” www.albertahealthservices.ca. Accessed September 30, 2022.
Canadian Institute for Health Information (2019) “Slips, trips and falls: Our newest date reveals causes of injury hospitalization and ER visits in Canada.” www.cihi.ca. Accessed September 30, 2022.
Morhart, M. (2022) “Wrist Fractures and Dislocations.” www.emedicine.medscape.com. Accessed September 30, 2022.
Ye, J., et al. (2022) “Prevalence, Characteristics, and Associated Risk Factors of Wrist Fractures in Americans Above 50: The Cross-Sectional NHANES Study.” Frontiers in Endocrinology, 25 April 2022, Section: Bone Research. www.frontiersin.org.
Radiologists are specialized physicians who interpret diagnostic imaging to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. At Mayfair Diagnostics, they review X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI studies, among others, analyzinsg images in detail and providing comprehensive reports and clinical recommendations to referring physicians. They collaborate closely with technologists and clinic teams to guide imaging protocols, ensure quality and radiation safety standards, and may perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies or injections. Through their expertise and teamwork, radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
Administrative professionals support the organization across human resources, marketing, operations, strategic partnerships, finance, information technology, and infrastructure. From recruiting staff to promoting services and improving workflows, they help ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for employees and patients. Through collaboration with clinical and support teams, they provide essential coordination that enables efficient, high-quality service.
Diagnostic Imaging Assistant (DIA) support clinic operations and help ensure a positive patient experience. They assist staff by greeting and preparing patients, confirming information, coordinating appointments, and guiding patients through their visit. DIAs also maintain exam rooms, manage documentation, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready. Through strong customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork, they help create a safe and organized environment.
Patient Experience Coordinators (PECs) are the first point of contact, scheduling exams and ensuring accurate patient information. They communicate clearly with patients, coordinate with care teams, and support a smooth, confidential, and customer-focused experience.
Nuclear Medical Technologists perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving sensitive and highly personal patient circumstances. They are responsible for delivering the highest standard of care in a professional, compassionate, and patient-centered manner, in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements, CAMRT standards, and Mayfair policies and guidelines.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists operate CT imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body that assist in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. They prepare and position patients for scans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and administer contrast agents when required. CT technologists work closely with radiologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic images are obtained, while providing clear communication and compassionate care to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of internal body structures used to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment planning. They are responsible for preparing and positioning patients, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed due to the strong magnetic field, and obtaining high-quality images as directed by radiologists. MRI technologists combine technical expertise with patient care, providing clear communication and support to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient imaging experience.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasound exams to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Following Sonography Canada standards and Mayfair Diagnostics protocols, they capture accurate images while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality. They work with radiologists and clinical teams to review requisitions, prepare patients, perform scans, and document findings, contributing to accurate diagnoses and a positive patient experience.
Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) perform x-ray, mammography, and BMD exams while ensuring patient safety, accuracy, and compassionate care. They also may assist in pain therapy procedures. MRTs verify patient information, explain procedures, position patients, and produce high-quality images. MRTs follow professional standards and protocols, maintaining strict radiation safety, quality assurance, and patient privacy while supporting a positive patient experience.
We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:
Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:
EXCELLENCE
We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.
CURIOSITY
We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.
PASSION
We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.
COLLABORATION
Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.
SERVICE
We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.
Join Mayfair Diagnostics, recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier medical imaging organizations. With a century-long legacy and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving clarity regarding their health.
Operating clinics in Calgary and surrounding areas, Regina, and Saskatoon, our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff collaborate seamlessly to deliver high quality patient care. Working here is more than just a job; it’s a strong step towards your future.
OUR TEAMS
We are a dedicated group of professionals who combine skill with compassion to deliver attentive care to our patients. As a reliable partner in their health care journey, we provide high-quality imaging that assists patients, physicians, and other providers in making informed health decisions. Our work goes beyond imaging; it’s about fostering relationships and positively impacting everyone we serve.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where every person has clarity about their health. We innovate and welcome change, promoting leadership and creativity through safe risk-taking. We share best practices, earn peer recognition for our work, and engage top talent to reach our goals.
We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking.
We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.
