The radius

Question 1

What is the radius?

Answer 1

A long bone in the forearm, larger of the two forearm bones it pivots around the ulna to produce movement at the proximal distal radio-ulnar joints

Question 2

What are the four articulations of the radius?

Answer 2

Elbow joints- head of radius and capitulum
Proximal radioulnar joint- radial head and radial notch
Wrist joint- An articualtion between the distal radius and carpal bones
Distal radioulnar joint- articulation between the ulnar notch and the head of the ulna.

Question 3

What are three important proximal regions of the radius

Answer 3

head of radius- a disk shaped structure
Neck- narrow structure that lies between radial head and radial tuberosity
Radial tuberosity- bony projection- place of attachment of biceps brachii muscle

Question 4

What attaches to the shaft of the radius?

What occurs at the distal region of the radius?

Answer 4

pronator teres

Laterally forms the styloid process, medially joins with ulna notch to form distal radioulnar joints.Also articulates with scaphoid and lunate carpal bones. This forms the wrist joint

Question 5

What is Colle’s fracture?

Answer 5

Dinner fork deformity- most common type of radial fracture, caused by falling onto outstretched hand and causes fracture to the distal radius

Question 6

What causes fracture of the radial head?

What fracture is known as opposite to Colles fracture?

Answer 6

Falling on outstretched hand, radius is forced into capitulum, causing a fracture.

Smiths fracture- caused by falling onto back of hand, distal fragment is placed anteriorly

Question 7

What is monteggia’s fracture?

Answer 7

Caused by force from behind the ulna. Proximal shaft of ulna is fractured and the head of the radius dislocates anteriorly at the elbow

Question 8

What os Galaezzi’s fracture?

Answer 8

Fracture to the distal radius, ulna head dislocates at the distal radio-ulnar joint