title: Distal radius fractures in the athlete.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Distal radius fractures are one of the most common upper extremity fractures. Athletes with distal radius fractures are treated according to the same principles as non-athletes but present several unique considerations. At all levels of sport, injured athletes desire to return to play as rapidly as possible.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Earlier operative fixation may allow an athlete to return to play more quickly. Volar locking plates are most commonly used for operative treatment of distal radius fractures due to their stability and low incidence of complications. Although the majority of distal radius fractures in athletes are treated non-operatively, operative intervention is offered when required to restore and maintain acceptable skeletal alignment. Return to sport is individualized guided by fracture stability, athlete age, and wrist-specific demands for competition.
authors.affiliation: Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8233, St Louis, MO, 63108, USA.
authors.forename: Casey
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Beleckas
authors.affiliation: Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8233, St Louis, MO, 63108, USA. calfeer@wudosis.wustl.edu.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Calfee
keywords: Athlete; Distal radius; Fracture; Rehabilitation; Sport; Surgery