title: An overview of distal radial fractures.
abstract: Fractures of the distal radius include a wide spectrum of fracture patterns. As well as involving the distal radius, these injuries can involve the wrist, the distal radio-ulnar joint and the distal ulna. The management of these injuries is consequently diverse, ranging from a plaster cast to advanced surgery. The principles of treatment are to reduce and maintain the reduction by restoring the radial height, volar tilt and intra-articular step. The acceptable reduction is to have radial height to within 2 mm of the ulnar, volar tilt greater than 0 degree and intra-articular step less than 1 mm. The present paper reviews the current concepts in the diagnosis, management and complications of distal radial fractures.
authors.affiliation: Modbury Public Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Bain
mesh_terms: D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy