title: Premature closure of the distal radial physis after fracture of the distal radial metaphysis.
abstract: Two fractures of the distal radius seemingly with lack of involvement of the distal radial physis are presented. Nevertheless, complete arrest of the adjacent physis occurred, suggesting a Salter-Harris V mechanism of injury to the vulnerable distal radial physis. Ulnar "overgrowth" produced impingement of the carpus and functional complaints sufficient to warrant treatment. In this clinical setting, an ulnar-shortening osteotomy done at skeletal maturity resulted in marked improvement in the range of motion at the radiocarpal joint and corresponding improvement in function for both patients so treated.
authors.affiliation: Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, St. Louis, Missouri 63131-3597, USA.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aminian
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Schoenecker
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004838:Epiphyses; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D016916:Joint Deformities, Acquired / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D014457:Ulna / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000473:pathology; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*