Distal radial fracture Flashcards
What usually is the cause of a distal radius fracture?
FOOSH
What is a colles fracture?
extra-articular fraction of the distal radius with dorsal angulation and displacement, must also include an avulsion fracture of the ulnar styloid
What is a smiths fracture?
Volar angulation of the distal fragment of an extra articular fracture of the distal radius, with or without volar displacement- would have landed on dorsal suface of the wrist
What is a bartons fracture?
intra-articular fracture of the distal radius with associated dislocation of the radio-carpal joint. volar or dorsal
What are the main risk factors for distal radial fractures?
increasing age, female gender, early menopause, smoking or alcohol excess, prolonged steroid use
What are the clinical features of distal radial fractures?
episode of trauma, immediate pain, deformity, swelling, may have weakness and parethesia, neurovascular compromise, limb perfusion and joints must be checked
What nerves should be checked in a distal radial fracture?
Median nerve, anterior interosseous, ulnar and radial nerve
What are the differential diagnosis for a distal radial fracture?
Forearm fracture, carpal bone fractures, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, wrist dislocation
What investigations would be done in a distal radial fracture?
Plain radiograph looking at the radial height, radial inclination and radial volar tilt
What is the management for a distal radial fracture?
resuscitate and stabilisation, closed reduction, below the elbow back slab,, if displaced then may need surgery such as ORIF or K wire fixation, external fixation, physiotherapy
What are the complications of distal radial fracture?
malunion, median nerve compression, osteoarthritis
If there is intra-articular step of the radoiocarpal joint >2mm what is advised?
surgery
