Skip to main content

Fracture of the Distal Radius

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery
  • 448 Accesses

Abstract

According to the position of the wrist at injury and the characteristics of the received force, the mechanism of bone injury includes the following:

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • af Ekenstam F, Hagert CG. Anatomical studies on the geometry and stability of the distal radio ulnar joint. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg. 1985;19:17–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • af Ekenstam FW, Palmer AK, Glisson RR. The load on the radius and ulna in different positions of the wrist and forearm: a cadaver study. Acta Orthop Scand. 1984;55:363–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alffram PA, G’doran CHB. Epidemiology of fractures of the forearm. J Bone Joint Surg. 1962;44A:105–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aro H, Koivunen T. Minor axial shortening of the radius affects outcome of Colles fracture treatment. J Hand Surg [Am]. 1991;16:392–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Badia A, Khanchandani P. Volar plate fixation. In: Slutsky DJ, editor. Fractures and injuries of the distal radius and carpus: the cutting edge. Saunders Elsevier; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bednar DA, Al-Harran H. Non-bridging external fixation for fractures of the distal radius. Can J Surg. 2004;47:426–30.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Bednar MS, Arnoczky SP, Weiland AJ. The microvasculature of the triangular fibrocartilage complex: its clinical significance. J Hand Surg [Am]. 1991;16:1101–5.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Braun RM, Gellman H. Dorsal pin placement and external fixation for correction of dorsal tilt in fractures of the distal radius. J Hand Surg [Am]. 1994;19:653–5.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carneiro R, Radi-Peters C, Gonçalves R. Dorsal plate fixation. In: Slutsky DJ, editor. Fractures and injuries of the distal radius and carpus: the cutting edge. Saunders Elsevier; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chan BK, Leong LC, Low CO, et al. The use of the external fixator in the treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. Singap Med J. 1999;40:420–4.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen MS, Jupiter JB. Fractures of the distal radius. In: Browner BD, editor. Skeletal trauma: basic science, management, and reconstruction. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2009a. p. 1405.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen MS, Jupiter JB. Fractures of the distal radius. In: Browner BD, editor. Skeletal trauma: basic science, management, and reconstruction. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2009b. p. 1408.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collert S, Isacson J. Management of redislocated Colles’ fractures. Clin Orthop. 1978;135:183–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colles A. On the fracture of the carpal extremity of the radius. Edinb Med Surg J. 1814;10:182–6.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Crist BD, Murtha YM. Distal radius fractures. In: Archdeacon MT, editor. Prevention and management of common fracture complications. Slack incorporated; 2012.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Oliveira JC. Barton’s fractures. J Bone Joint Surg. 1973;55A:586–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dias JJ. Nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures. In: Slutsky DJ, editor. Principles and practice of wrist surgery. Saunders Elsevier; 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dowling JJ, Sawyer B Jr. Comminuted Colles’ fractures. Evaluation of a method of treatment. J Bone Joint Surg. 1952;34A:651–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunning CE, Lindsay CS, Bicknell RT, et al. Ilizarov hybrid external fixation for fractures of the distal radius: part II. Internal fixation versus Ilizarov hybrid external fixation: stability as assessed by cadaveric simulated motion testing. J Hand Surg [Am]. 2001;26:218–27.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards CC, Haraszti CJ, McGillivary GR, et al. Intra-articular distal radius fractures: arthroscopic assessment of radiographically assisted reduction. J Hand Surg [Am]. 2001;26:1036–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ellis J. Smith’s and Barton’s fractures: a method of treatment. J Bone Joint Surg. 1965;47B:724–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fernandez DL. Avant-bras segment distal. In: Müller ME, Nazarian S, Koch P, editors. Classification AO des Fractures des Os Longs. Berlin: Springer-Verlag; 1987. p. 106–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernandez DL. Fractures of the distal radius: operative treatment. Instr Course Lect. 1993;42:73–88.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer T, Koch P, Saager C, Kohut GN. The radio-radial external fixator in the treatment of fractures of the distal radius. J Hand Surg (Br). 1999;24:604–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Flinkkila T, Nikkola-Sihto A, Kaaela O, et al. Poor interobserver reliability of AO classification of fractures of the distal radius. J Bone Joint Surg (Br). 1998;80:670–2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Friberg S, Lindstrom B. Radiographic measurements of the radiocarpal joint in normal adults. Acta Radiol (Stockh). 1976;17:249.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • From Rikli DA, Businger A, Babst R. Dorsal double-plate fixation of the distal radius. Oper Orthop Traumatol. 2005;6:624–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gartland JJJ, Werley CW. Evaluation of healed Colles’ fractures. J Bone Joint Surg. 1951;33A:895–907.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gausepohl T, Worner S, Pennig D, et al. Extraarticular external fixation in distal radius fractures pinplacement in osteoporotic bone. Injury. 2001;32(Suppl 4):SD79–85.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gelberman RH, Szabo RM, Mortensen WM. Carpal tunnel pressures and wrist position in patients with Colles’ fractures. J Trauma. 1984;24(8):747–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Golden GN. Treatment and programs of Colles’ fracture. Lancet. 1963;1:511–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldner JL, Hayes MG. Stabilization of the remaining ulna using onehalf of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon after resection of the distal ulna. Orthop Trans. 1979;3:330–1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hanker GJ. Arthroscopic evaluation of intraarticular distal radius fractures. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand Orlando, 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harness NG, Ring D, Zurakowski D, et al. The influence of three-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions on the characterization and treatment of distal radial fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2006;88:1315–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harness NG, Jupiter JB, Orbay JL, et al. Loss of fixation of the volar lunate facet fragment in fractures of the distal part of the radius. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008;86-A(9):1900–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hausman MR, Matthew MK. Surgical approaches from an angiosomal perspective. In: Slutsky DJ, editor. Principles and practice of wrist surgery. Saunders Elsevier; 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes AJ, Duffy PJ, McQueen MM. Bridging and non-bridging external fixation in the treatment of unstable fractures of the distal radius: a retrospective study of 588 cases. Acta Orthop. 2008;79:540–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hollingsworth R, Morris J. The importance of the ulnar side of the wrist in fractures of the distal end of the radius. Injury. 1976;7:263–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hotchkiss RN, An KN, Sowa DT, et al. An anatomic and mechanical study of the interosseous membrane of the forearm: pathomechanics of the proximal migration of the radius. J Hand Surg [Am]. 1989;14:256–61.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huch K, Hunerbein M, Meeder PJ. External fixation of intra-articular fracture of the distal radius in young and old adults. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 1996;115:38–42.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jakob M, Rikli DA, Regazzoni P. Fractures of the distal radius treated by internal fixation and early function. A prospective study of 73 consecutive patients. J Bone Joint Surg (Br). 2000;82:340–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jupiter JB. Comparative classification for fractures of the distal end of the radius. J Hand Surg. 1997;23A:4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jupiter JG, Fernandez DL, Toh CL, et al. Operative treatment of volar intra-articular fractures of the distal end of the radius. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1996;78:1817–28.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kawaguchi S, Sawada K, Nabeta Y, et al. Recurrent dorsal angulation of the distal radius fracture during dynamic external fixation. J Hand Surg [Am]. 1998;23:920–5.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Knirk JL, Jupiter J. Intra-articular fracture of the distal end of the radius in young adults. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1986;68:647–59.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kreder HJ, Hanel DP, Agel J, et al. Indirect reduction and percutaneous fixation versus open reduction and internal fixation for displaced intraarticular fractures of the distal radius: a randomised, controlled trial. J Bone Joint Surg (Br). 2005;87:829–36.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kreder HJ, Agel J, McKee MD, et al. A randomized, controlled trial of distal radius fractures with metaphyseal displacement but without joint incongruity: closed reduction and casting versus closed reduction, spanning external fixation, and optional percutaneous K-wires. J Orthop Trauma. 2006;20:115–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Liporace FA, Adams MR, Capo JT, et al. Distal radius fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2009;23(10):739–48.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Madhok R, Green S. Longer term functional outcome and societal implications of upper limb fractures in the elderly. J R Soc Health. 1993;113:179–80.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Markiewitz AD, Gellman H. Five-pin external fixation and early range of motion for distal radius fractures. Orthop Clin North Am. 2001;32:329–35.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McAuliffe TB, Hilliar KM, Coates CJ, et al. Early mobilisation of Colles’ fractures. A prospective trial. J Bone Joint Surg (Br). 1987;69:727–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McClain EJ, Wissinger HA. The acute carpal tunnel syndrome: nine case reports. J Trauma. 1976;16:75–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McQueen MM. Redisplaced fractures of the distal radius. A randomised prospective study of bridging versus non-bridging external fixation. J Bone Joint Surg (Br). 1998a;80:665–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McQueen MM. Redisplaced unstable fractures of the distal radius: a randomised, prospective study of bridging versus non-bridging external fixation. J Bone Joint Surg (Br). 1998b;80:665–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McQueen MM. Metaphyseal external fixation of the distal radius. Bull Hosp Jt Dis. 1999;58:9–14.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McQueen MM, Hajducka C, Court-Brown C. Redisplaced unstable fractures of the distal radius: a randomised, prospective study of bridging versus non-bridging external fixation. J Bone Joint Surg (Br). 1996;78:404–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McQueen MM, Simpson D, Court-Brown CM. Metaphyseal external fixation of redisplaced unstable distal radial fractures. Use of the Hoffman 2 compact external fixator. J Orthop Trauma. 1999;13:501–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Medoff RJ. Radiographic evaluation and classiffication of distal radius fractures. In: Slutsky DJ, editor. Fractures and injuries of the distal radius and carpus: the cutting Edge. Saunders Elsevier; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Medoff RJ. Essential radiographic evaluation for distal radius fractures. In: Slutsky DJ, editor. Principles and practice of wrist surgery. Saunders Elsevier; 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melone CP. Open treatment for displaced articular fractures of the distal radius. Clin Orthop. 1984;202:103–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melone CP. Distal radius fractures: patterns of articular fragmentation. Orthop Clin North Am. 1993;24:239–53.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Merrell GA, Truluck W. Nonoperative radius fractures. In: Slutsky DJ, editor. Principles and practice of wrist surgery. Saunders Elsevier; 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Muller ME, Nazarian S, Koch P. Classification AO des fractures. I Les os longs. Berlin Heidelberg New York: Springer; 1987.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Muller M, Nazarian S, et al. The comprehensive classification of fractures of long bones. Berlin: Springer-Verlag; 1990.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson D. Complications of locked volar plates. In: Slutsky DJ, editor. Fractures and injuries of the distal radius and carpus: the cutting edge. Saunders Elsevier; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Older TM, Stabler EU, Cassebaum WH. Colles’ fracture: evaluation of selection of therapy. J Trauma. 1965;5:469–76.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Owen RA, Melton LJ, Johnson KA, et al. Incidence of a Colles’ fracture in a north American community. Am J Public Health. 1982;72:605–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Ross M, Heiss-Dunlop W. Volar angle stable plating for distal radius fractures. In: Slutsky DJ, editor. Principles and practice of wrist surgery. Saunders Elsevier; 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rozental T, Bozentka D, et al. Evaluation of the sigmoid notch with computed tomography following intra-articular distal radius fracture. J Hand Surg [Am]. 2001;26:244–51.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rubinovich RM, Rennie WR. Colles’ fracture: end results in relation to radiologic parameters. Can J Surg. 1983;26:361–3.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ruby LK, Ferenz CC, Dell PC. The pronator quadratus interposition transfer: an adjunct to resection arthroplasty of the distal radioulnar joint. J Hand Surg [Am]. 1996;21:60–5.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ruch DS. Distal Radius and Ulna Fractures. In: Robert WB, James DH, Charles MC, et al., editors. Rockwood and green’s fractures in adults. 7th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruch DS, Ginn TA, Yang CC, et al. Use of a distraction plate for distal radial fractures with metaphyseal and diaphyseal comminution. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87(5):945–54.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Scheck M. Long-term follow-up of treatment of comminuted fractures of the distal end of the radius by transfixation with Kirschner wires and cast. J Bone Joint Surg. 1962;44A:337–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scheck M. Long-term follow up of treatment of comminuted fractures of the distal end of the radius by trans-fixation with Kirschner wires and cast. J Hand Surg [Am]. 1987;12:529–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sommerkamp TG, Seeman M, Silliman J, et al. Dynamic external fixation of unstable fractures of the distal part of the radius: a prospective, randomized comparison with static external fixation. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1994;76:1149–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Spinner M, Kaplan EB. Extensor carpi ulnaris: its relationship to stability of the distal radioulnar joint. Clin Orthop. 1970;68:124–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Szabo R, Weber S. Comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal radius. Clin Orthop. 1988;230:39–48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thiru-Pathi RG, Ferlic DC, Clayton ML, et al. Arterial anatomy of the triangular fibrocartilage of the wrist and its clinical significance. J Hand Surg [Am]. 1986;11:258–63.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson GH, Grant TT. Barton’s fractures-reverse Barton’s fractures: confusing eponyms. Clin Orthop. 1977;122:210–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trumble TE, Schmitt SR, Vedder NB. Factors affecting functional outcome of displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures. J Hand Surg [Am]. 1994;19:325–40.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Turner RG, Faber KJ, Athwal GS. Complications of distal radius fractures. Orthop Clin North AM. 2007;38(2):217–28.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van der Linden W, Ericson R. Colles’ fracture: how should its displacement be measured and how should it be immobilized? J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1981;63(8):1285–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Werber KD, Raeder F, Brauer RB, et al. External fixation of distal radial fractures: four compared with five pins: a randomized prospective study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85:660–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y. Clinical epidemiology of orthopedic trauma. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2009. p. 125.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hua Chen .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Chen, H., Zhao, Z., Li, J. (2023). Fracture of the Distal Radius. In: Tang, P., Chen, H. (eds) Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0208-5_9

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0208-5_9

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-16-0207-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-16-0208-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics