The amount of trauma required to produce a distal end radius fracture varies from minor fall to motor vehicle accidents.
Most of the patients present with a history of trauma and deformity in the wrist following the trauma. The elderly patients generally present with deformity in the wrist following fall on the hand.
The examination would reveal the deformity and give an idea about the injury to surrounding soft tissue structures. Functions of nerves, vessels and tendons should be checked.
Imaging
Initial investigation is xray of the wrist. The views include anteroposterior, lateral and pronator oblique views.
The condition of tarsal bones should be viewed as well.
Computed tomogram is done in cases of intrarticular fractures to obtain a better idea of fracture configuration and comminution. 3 D reconstruction using CT is very helpful in determinig the fracture pattern and deformity.
Distal radio ulnar joint stability, and scapholunate stability, must also be evaluated.
MRI is very helpful in evaluating soft tissue injury associated with distal end radius fracture
The choice of treatment depends on te patient needs, fracture configuration and associated injuries.
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