distal radius fracture

Question 1

what causes it?

Answer 1

fall onto outstretched hand

Question 2

what are the fracture patterns?

Answer 2

Colles
Smith
Barton’s

Question 3

what is a Colles fracture?

Answer 3

fracture of distal radius with posterior displacement of distal fragment

Question 4

what is a Smith fracture?

Answer 4

fracture of distal radius with anterior displacement of distal fragment

Question 5

what is a Barton’s fracture?

Answer 5

intra-articular fracture of the distal radius with dislocation of the radiocarpal joint

Question 6

what are the symptoms?

Answer 6

wrist pain and swelling
wrist deformity

Question 7

what are the signs?

Answer 7

ecchymosis and swelling
diffuse tenderness
motion limited by pain

Question 7

what investigations are used?

Answer 7

x-ray -> AP, lateral, oblique

Question 7

what is seen on x-ray in Colles fracture?

Answer 7

dinner fork deformity

Question 8

what is the conservative management?

Answer 8

cast

Question 9

what is the operative management?

Answer 9

ORIF or MUA and K-wires or external fixation

Question 10

what complications can occur?

Answer 10

Colles -> median nerve compression from stretch of nerve of bleed into carpal tunnel
fractures that heal in poor position (malunion) may result in impaired grip strength due to loss of extension