Distal radius fracture
Distal radius fractures are common fractures, especially of the elderly. They occur due to fall on outstretched arm. Colles fracture is an extraarticular fracture with dorsal angulation of the fragment. Smith fracture is an extraarticular fracture with ventral angulation of the fragment. The median nerve may be injured. Non-dislocated fractures are treated conservatively; dislocated fractures are treated surgically.
Etiology
Fall on outstretched arm with dorsiflexed wrist (Colles fracture) or palmar flexed wrist (Smith facture).
Classification
We distinguish multiple type of distal radius fractures:
Type | Description |
Colles fracture | Extraarticular fracture with dorsal angulation of the fragment |
Smith fracture | Extraarticular fracture with ventral angulation of the fragment |
Barton fracture | Intraarticular with associated dorsal displacement (radiocarpal dislocation) |
Chauffeur fracture | Avulsion fracture of radial styloid |
Clinical features
Pain, swelling, deformation, displacement. Median nerve injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Diagnosis and evaluation
X-ray.
Treatment
Conservative treatment with closed reduction + splint is used for fractures without dislocation or with minimal dislocation.
Surgical treatment with ORIF is used for dislocated fractures.