Distal radius fracture

The most common bone fracture in humans at all represents the distal radius fracture, the fracture of the radius near the wrist ( loco Typico ) with angulation of the distal fragment to the extensor side ( Colles type ). The rarer wrist near spoke breakage with axial deviation to the flexion side is called smith fracture. The more common Colles fracture typically results from falling on the stretched upward wrist.

Symptoms are tenderness, deformity with Disabilities and swelling of the soft tissues.

Classification of distal radius fractures

AO classification

A common classification of distal radius fractures is, as with all bones, the AO classification of the International Association for Study of Internal Fixation (AO). The A- fractures are located outside of the joint ( extra-articular ) and can be divided into type A1, A2 and A3 are further subdivided. B fractures are partially intra-articularly after the AO classification, ie they relate in part to the joint surface. Type C fractures are located in the joint itself ( intra-articular ). Different severities are assigned ascending behind the letters A, B and C with the numbers 1-3.

Treatment

The treatment of a simple radius fracture without joint involvement depends on the degree of displacement and instability from the breakdown region. Without displacement of the broken ends of a simple immobilization ( retention) with a plaster cast for 6 weeks, with simple shifts ( dislocation ) are done first means ( reduction ) and then immobilization in a plaster cast.

If the fracture unstable, he therefore tends to shift again (secondary dislocation ) or is not set up successfully or due to the extent possible, the treatment is surgical by Kirschner wire osteosynthesis, ie introduction of wires in the fracture gap anesthesia, Plexus - or general anesthesia in the art for Willenegger or Kapandji or open by plate fixation. In this case, the process with drill wires is a closed process, the fracture does not have to be exposed by an incision. When plate fixation is usually opened by bending side the skin and then break open again decorated and fixed with plate and screws. After closed treatment with a plaster drill wires for 4 to 6 weeks is applied as usually. With open fracture treatment with plate fixation can usually be an additional plaster soon be dispensed with in order to then rapidly begin the exercising of the wrist can.

In summary, it can therefore depending on the type of fracture either conservatively in a cast, surgery with plaster and drill wires or surgically with plate, but are then treated without plaster.

Open fractures of the radius usually make the system an external fixator required. The treatment of fracture - smith is done by bow side plating with a T- shaped plate.

A modern form of therapy represents the bow -mounted, angle-stable metal plate

• Distal radius comminuted fracture with Ulnabeteiligung and their treatment

..., and X-rayed from the side,

Supply by closed reduction with fixation by Kirschner wires

External fixator and immobilization in