Surgery
Volume 28, Issue 2 , Pages 63-69, February 2010

Fractures of the forearm bones and distal radius

Joby John MS MRCS is a Specialist Registrar in Orthopaedics at the Pulvertaft Hand Centre, Derby Royal Hospital, Derby, UK. Conflicts of interest: none

Tim Cresswell BM FRCS.Ed (Trauma and Orth) Dip. Orth. Eng is a Consultant Upper Limb and Hand Surgeon at the Pulvertaft Hand Centre, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, UK. Conflicts of interest: none

Abstract 

Fractures of the radius and ulna should be treated as a single unit rather than separate bony entities due to the intricate relationship of both bones in the forearm. Injuries can be divided into fractures of both bones, fracture of a single bone, and fracture of single bone associated with joint injuries. Distal radius fractures have been dealt with separately, as they are most common. The aim of treatment is to restore anatomy, and achieve stability to allow early mobilization to achieve good function. In diaphyseal fractures of the forearm, restoration of the relative lengths of both bones to maintain the integrity of the joints is vital and often requires operative intervention. In fractures of distal radius restoration of volar tilt, radial inclination and length should be achieved and maintained during healing by appropriate methods. Stable fixation allows early return to function.

Keywords: Distal radius, fracture of both bones of forearm, volar locked plate

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PII: S0263-9319(09)00260-9

doi:10.1016/j.mpsur.2009.10.020

Surgery
Volume 28, Issue 2 , Pages 63-69, February 2010