ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case study of a 55-year-old woman who broke her fall with her outstretched hand. This lady has a closed distal radius and ulnar styloid fracture. This is a very common injury classically caused by falling onto an outstretched hand breaking a fall. When taking the history, the medical students and junior doctors should ascertain the dominant hand, premorbid function, occupational status and hobbies as these may influence management. Fracture patterns can be variable and hence these injuries need careful evaluation both clinically and radiologically as this guides management. The patient should be assessed by physiotherapists and occupational therapists prior to discharge, and should be given a sling for support and written instructions for plaster care and follow-up in the local fracture clinic. The fractures do have a significant rate of movement, and the patient should be counselled regarding this.
