Skip to main content

Fractures of the Distal Radius

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Tips and Tricks for Problem Fractures, Volume I

Abstract

Fractures of the distal radius are among the most common fractures of the upper extremity. Over time, indications of operative and non-operative treatment have evolved. Myriad fixation options are now available. Volar locking plate is one of the most commonly used fixation techniques. Use of this technique requires attention to detail for a favorable outcome. Osteoporosis, certain high-energy fracture patterns with significant comminution and extremely distal fractures present certain challenges in the use of a volar locked plate and should be recognized to prevent complications. Surgeons should be familiar with other techniques in treating highly complex injuries.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Teunis T, Mulder F, Nota SP, Milne LW, Dyer GS, Ring D. No difference in adverse events between surgically treated reduced and unreduced distal radius fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2015;29(11):521–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Chen Y, Chen X, Li Z, Yan H, Zhou F, Gao W. Safety and efficacy of operative versus nonsurgical management of distal radius fractures in elderly patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hand Surg Am. 2016;41(3):404–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Baumbach SF, Synek A, Traxler H, Mutschler W, Pahr D, Chevalier Y. The influence of distal screw length on the primary stability of volarplateosteosynthesis--a biomechanical study. J Orthop Surg Res. 2015;10:139.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Stone JD, Vaccaro LM, Brabender RC, Hess AV. Utility and cost analysis of radiographs taken 2 weeks following plate fixation of distal radius fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 2015;40(6):1106–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Williksen JH, Husby T, Hellund JC, Kvernmo HD, Rosales C, Frihagen F. External fixation and adjuvant pins versus volar locking plate fixation in unstable distal radius fractures: a randomized, controlled study with a 5-year follow-up. J Hand Surg Am. 2015;40(7):1333–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Lee DS, Weikert DR. Complications of distal radius fixation. Orthop Clin North Am. 2016;47(2):415–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hemil Maniar .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Sanchez, D., Horwitz, D.S., Maniar, H. (2020). Fractures of the Distal Radius. In: Horwitz, D., Suk, M., Swenson, T. (eds) Tips and Tricks for Problem Fractures, Volume I. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38274-2_9

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38274-2_9

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-38273-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-38274-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics