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