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Epidemiology, Mechanism, Classification

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Fractures of the Distal Radius

Abstract

Fractures of the distal end of the radius have been estimated to account for upwards of one-sixth of all fractures seen and treated in emergency rooms.27,28,68 Given its frequency, it is somewhat surprising that little has been written outside the Scandinavian literature regarding its epidemiologic features.6,819,36,49,58,68,82 By the same token, the Scandinavian studies have provided us a relatively clear understanding of a number of features of the distal radius fracture, including incidence, age and gender prevalence, mechanisms, and in some cases associated risk factors. From a compilation of data generated by epidemiologic studies, it is evident that distal radius fractures are more common in women, increase in incidence in both genders with advancing years, and occur more frequently from falls from level ground than higher-energy trauma. The commonplace nature of the distal radius fracture was evident even in the early literature that began to define these injuries as fractures. Dupuytren noted that of 109 fractures treated in 1829 at the Hotel Dieu, 23 had their “seat” in the forearm. In 1830, of 97 fractures 22 were in the forearm with 16 involving the radius alone.17

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Bern, Bern

    Diego L. Fernandez M.D. (Professor and Staff Member)

  2. Orthopaedic Department, Lindenhof Hospital Bern, Mittelstr. 54, 3012, Bern, Switzerland

    Diego L. Fernandez M.D. (Professor and Staff Member)

  3. Orthopaedic Surgery Harvard Medical School, USA

    Jesse B. Jupiter M.D. (Professor and Director)

  4. Orthopaedic Hand Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, ACC 527, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Jesse B. Jupiter M.D. (Professor and Director)

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  1. Diego L. Fernandez M.D.
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Fernandez, D.L., Jupiter, J.B. (2002). Epidemiology, Mechanism, Classification. In: Fractures of the Distal Radius. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0033-5_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0033-5_2

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