title: Ipsilateral distal radius and scaphoid fractures.
abstract: Simultaneous fractures of the distal radius and scaphoid are uncommon. Previous reports have outlined a variety of treatment methods for this condition. We describe the results in eight patients with simultaneous fractures of the distal radius and scaphoid, who were treated at National Taiwan University Hospital from 1987 to 1998. Treatments for the distal radius fractures included pin-in-cast in one patient, casting in one, external fixation in one, external fixation after pinning in three, and open reduction with internal fixation in two. All scaphoid fractures occurred at the scaphoid waist, and were treated with long-arm thumb spica in three patients, Herbert screw fixation in two, and percutaneous pinning in three. All of the fractures united, and none of the patients developed scaphoid avascular necrosis. One patient suffered from superficial radial nerve injury during external fixation. The functional results of the wrist were good in five patients and fair in three. To prevent the possible over-distraction of the scaphoid fracture, fixation of the scaphoid should be performed if a distraction force is to be applied during the treatment of the distal radius fracture. If no distraction force is to be applied, a thumb spica may provide adequate fixation for the scaphoid fracture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Y S
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Hou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*