ABSTRACT
Fractures of the distal radius are one of the most common
fractures that are treated by orthopedic surgeons. They
account for up to 20% of all fractures seen in the emergency
department (1,2). There is a bimodal age distribution, occurring
most commonly between the ages of 5 to 14 and 60 and 69 years.
Within the second age group, there is a predominance of female
patients with a ratio of approximately 4:1. Also within this age
group, the fracture is usually the result of a low energy injury;
typically the patient presents after a fall on an outstretched
hand. The accelerating body weight produces a bending
moment on the distal forearm, and the distal radius fails
through the softer metaphyseal bone. The result usually is a
displaced, extraarticular metaphyseal fracture of the distal
radius. Extraarticular distal radius fractures without significant
comminution typically prove to be stable after closed reduction
and are usually amenable to cast immobilization.
