Fracture of the distal radius, typically from FOOSH; Colles (dorsal angulation) most common.
Clinical features
- • Wrist pain, swelling
- • Dinner-fork deformity (Colles)
- • Inability to use hand
Examination
- • Neurovascular exam — median nerve, radial pulse
- • Skin integrity (open fx?)
Investigations
- • PA + lateral wrist X-ray
- • CT if intra-articular
Differential diagnosis
- • Scaphoid fracture
- • Carpal dislocation
- • Wrist sprain
Management
- • Closed reduction + below-elbow cast for stable extra-articular
- • ORIF (volar plate) if displaced, intra-articular, unstable
- • K-wires in children
Drug therapy
- • Paracetamol + ibuprofen
- • Codeine PRN
- • Tetanus booster if open
Complications
- • Malunion (dinner fork)
- • Median nerve injury / CTS
- • Extensor pollicis longus rupture
- • CRPS
Clinical pearls
- • Always check median nerve function pre/post-reduction
Related in WardRound
Educational — verify locally.
