The Orthobullets Podcast Foundations⎪Trauma⎪Distal Radius Fractures
Jul 19, 2025
Discover the ins and outs of distal radius fractures, a common yet often misunderstood injury. The hosts break down causes and management strategies, sharing valuable insights for frontline MSK providers. Listeners will gain knowledge on clinical presentations and effective diagnostic approaches. Engaging scenarios illustrate the complexities of treatment options, making it not just informative but also practical for anyone in the medical field.
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Common Epidemiology of Distal Radius Fractures
- Distal radius fractures are the most common orthopedic injury, often from a fall on an outstretched hand.
- They make up about 17.5% of all adult fractures, more common in females with a bimodal age distribution.
Treatment Based on Fracture Stability
- Use closed reduction and immobilization for extra-articular fractures with minimal displacement and angulation.
- Operate for fractures with instability indicators like volar/dorsal comminution, >5 mm radial shortening, or displaced intraarticular fragments.
Importance of Volar Ulnar Corner Fragment
- The volar ulnar corner (critical corner) stabilizes the volar lunate facet through strong ligament attachments.
- Failure to fix this fragment risks volar carpal subluxation and wrist instability.