Distal Forearm Fractures
by
Kelly D. Carmichael, MD
Forearm fractures are the most common long bone fractures in children and account for 40% to 45% of all pediatric fractures. Treatment of these injuries is dependant on location, amount of displacement, and the age of the patient. Fractures to the distal third of the forearm are the most common forearm fractures. These fractures are more common in boys and are noted in all age ranges, being particularly common during the adolescent growth spurt years. The most common mechanism of injury is a fall on the extended wrist, resulting in a dorsally displaced fracture.
This article reviews a number of fractures and fracture patterns in distal and diaphyseal radius ulnar fractures, including torus fractures, greenstick fractures, completely displaced fractures, physeal fractures of the radius and ulna, Galeazzi fractures, and fractures of the middle third. Video is available.
Keywords: wrist fracture, wrist joint fracture, broken wrist, broken arm, broken forearm, fractured forearm, middle forearm fracture, forearm shaft fracture, distal shaft forearm fracture, radial shaft fracture, ulnar shaft fracture, radial metaphyseal fracture, ulnar metaphyseal fracture, torus fracture, greenstick fracture, both-bone fracture, displaced fracture, physeal fracture, Galeazzi fracture, Salter-Harris classification, malalignment, incidence, mechanism of injury, diagnosis, physical examination, imaging, management, acceptable angulation, remodeling, nonsurgical treatment, closed reduction, casting, cast immobilization, reduction techniques, surgical treatment, surgical techniques, percutaneous pin fixation, intramedullary fixation, open reduction, internal fixation, plate fixation, indications, contraindications, complications, outcomes, rehabilitation
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