Distal Radius Fractures
- Fractures of the distal radius are among the most common of all orthopaedic injuries accounting for nearly 1/6 of all fractures
- Bimodal age distribution exists, one peak in early adolescence, second in the older age.
Mechanism
- FOOSH
- Wrist at 40 - 90° dorsi-flexion usually produces fractures of the distal radius
- Scaphoid fractures occur at about 97°
- FOOSH
- Wrist at 40 - 90° dorsi-flexion usually produces fractures of the distal radius
- Scaphoid fractures occur at about 97°
Examination
- Check for other fractures
- Neurovascular assessment, particularly median nerve compression
- Check for other fractures
- Neurovascular assessment, particularly median nerve compression
X-ray
- PA/Lateral
- CT for intra-articular fractures
- PA/Lateral
- CT for intra-articular fractures
Check for
- Loss of radial height (>5mm)
- Loss of radial inclination (Normal 20-25°)
- Dorsal tilt (Normal 10° volar)
- Radial width
- Comminution
- Ulnar fracture
- Loss of radial height (>5mm)
- Loss of radial inclination (Normal 20-25°)
- Dorsal tilt (Normal 10° volar)
- Radial width
- Comminution
- Ulnar fracture
NB Axial or rotational malalignment can produce DRUJ problems
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