What Is a Non-Displaced Fracture? Dodgers' Justin Turner Injury Explained

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ third baseman, Justin Turner, has suffered a condition called a “non-displaced fracture” in his wrist. The non-displaced fracture, or broken wrist, resulted from being hit by a pitch in Monday’s game against Oakland.

According to WebMD, there are many types of bone fractures, including but not limited to displaced, non-displaced, open, and closed. Displaced and non-displaced fractures typically “refer to the alignment of the fractured bone,” the site says. Turner’s wrist is currently broken but still able to move.

WebMD states that, in the case of a non-displaced fracture, the bone cracks either part or all of the way through “but does move and maintains its proper alignment.” The Dodgers player’s wrist is technically broken, but because the bones have not moved out of place, they are more stable and able to move than in the case of a displaced fracture.

While Turner is expected to return to the team within “weeks,” he’ll be off the field for the time being. Turner on Tuesday took to Twitter to thank a fan for wishing him a speedy recovery.

Turner’s wrist is still in need of treatment — nonsurgical — until it heals fully, which is expected to be sometime in May.

While non-displaced fractures like Turner’s don’t necessarily need surgery to be treated, they still require medical attention to assure the bones aren’t further damaged. Typical treatment for non-displaced fractures in wrists include wearing a cast or splint.