Distinct patterns of fracture propagation in distal radial fractures and the relationship to the ulnar head

There are two distinct coronal patterns: radial to ulnar ending c. 2  mm proximal to the distal radio-ulnar joint; ulnar to radial starting at the proximal distal radio-ulnar joint. There may be third pattern - transverse fractures; these may be variants of the above. Sagittally the main direction is volar to dorsal but 11% are obverse.This is the first description of distinct fracture patterns in extra-articular distal radius fractures. In addition the fracture patterns appear to correlate with different directions of force transmission which fit with our understanding of falling and the relatively uncontrolled impact of the wrist/hand with the ground.

Source: Clinical Biomechanics - May 2, 2024 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: G.E. Giddins, S. Sassi Source Type: research