M.E.Müller: Atlas: Fracture 23-C1

Radius/Ulna, Distal,
complete articular fracture,
radius, articular simple,
metaphyseal simple 0,87% of the total
6,75% of the radius/ulna
15,30% of the segment

47 fractures 9,9% group 52%M, 48%F

278 fractures 58,8% group 41%M, 59%F

148 fractures
31,3% group
45%M, 55%F

Postero-medial articular fragment +Q Sagittal articular fracture line +Q Frontal articular fracture line +Q

These are complete articular fractures of the distal radius, with a simple fracture line and with a large posteromedial articular fragment. Ref. D. L. Fernández, J. B. Jupiter. Fractures of the distal radius.
Springer, 1995.
Surgeon. DF.

As for all articular fractures, anatomic reduction is mandatory. The quality of the bone (osteoporosis) determines the type of fixation, percutaneous or with a plate, with or without an external fixator. Because of its difficulty, we want to emphasize the absolute necessity of reducing the radial articular fragment, next to the ulna,

which must be fixed with a temporary wire through the distal epiphysis of the ulna.

As for all unstable fractures, the treatment of these fractures should be complemented with a long arm cast including the first phalanx of the thumb.

preoperative preoperative

postoperative postoperative

+ 1 year + 1 year

These are complete articular fractures of the distal radius with a simple fracture line in the sagittal plane. Ref. D. L. Fernández, J. B. Jupiter. Fractures of the distal radius.
Springer, 1995.
Surgeon. DF.

The first surgical step is the reduction and fixation of the styloid process of the radius. When a fragment involving the lunate facet of the radius is present, if it can not be reduced by longitudinal traction, the fracture site should be surgically approached through a small dorsal incision. Reduction of the articular surface is performed by

pushing the fragment with an awl under direct vision of the fracture site. A bone clamp maintains the reduction of the articular surface and compresses the articular fragments while fixation is performed with transverse Kirschner wires. This procedure is known as “limited approach reduction”.

preoperative preoperative

postoperative postoperative

These are complete articular fractures of the distal radius with a simple fracture line in the frontal plane. Ref. D. L. Fernández, J. B. Jupiter. Fractures of the distal radius.
Springer, 1995.
Surgeon. DF.

The shape of the articular fracture determines the treatment. The use of an external fixator helps to keep the articular fragments together while they are fixed with

screws or with percutaneous wires. The use of plates is not indicated if the articular fragments are not large enough to be held by screws.

preoperative preoperative

postoperative postoperative




						Radius/Ulna, Distal, complete articular fracture, radius, articular simple, metaphyseal simple	0,87% of the total 6,75% of the radius/ulna 15,30% of the segment






These are complete articular fractures of the distal radius, with a simple fracture line and with a large posteromedial articular fragment.		Ref. D. L. Fernández, J. B. Jupiter. Fractures of the distal radius. Springer, 1995. Surgeon. DF.

As for all articular fractures, anatomic reduction is mandatory. The quality of the bone (osteoporosis) determines the type of fixation, percutaneous or with a plate, with or without an external fixator. Because of its difficulty, we want to emphasize the absolute necessity of reducing the radial articular fragment, next to the ulna,	which must be fixed with a temporary wire through the distal epiphysis of the ulna. As for all unstable fractures, the treatment of these fractures should be complemented with a long arm cast including the first phalanx of the thumb.






These are complete articular fractures of the distal radius with a simple fracture line in the sagittal plane.		Ref. D. L. Fernández, J. B. Jupiter. Fractures of the distal radius. Springer, 1995. Surgeon. DF.

The first surgical step is the reduction and fixation of the styloid process of the radius. When a fragment involving the lunate facet of the radius is present, if it can not be reduced by longitudinal traction, the fracture site should be surgically approached through a small dorsal incision. Reduction of the articular surface is performed by	pushing the fragment with an awl under direct vision of the fracture site. A bone clamp maintains the reduction of the articular surface and compresses the articular fragments while fixation is performed with transverse Kirschner wires. This procedure is known as “limited approach reduction”.






These are complete articular fractures of the distal radius with a simple fracture line in the frontal plane.		Ref. D. L. Fernández, J. B. Jupiter. Fractures of the distal radius. Springer, 1995. Surgeon. DF.

The shape of the articular fracture determines the treatment. The use of an external fixator helps to keep the articular fragments together while they are fixed with	screws or with percutaneous wires. The use of plates is not indicated if the articular fragments are not large enough to be held by screws.