M.E.Müller: Atlas: Fracture 23-C1

Radius/Ulna, Distal,
complete articular fracture, radius,
articular simple,
metaphyseal multifragmentary 1,06% of the total
8,21% of the radius/ulna
18,60% of the segment

165 fractures 28,7% group 51%M, 49%F

325 fractures 56,5% group 53%M, 47%F

85 fractures
14,8% group
49%M, 51%F

Sagittal articular fracture line +Q Frontal articular fracture line +Q Extending into the diaphysis +Q

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

The internal fixation through the dorsal aspect of the distal radius may be the only way to stabilize the reduction of those fractures with marked dorsal instability. Although this approach is easier and safer than the volar approach, the use of plates should be avoided because the prominent screw heads and the thickness of the plate itself will interfere with the function of the extensor tendons.

In the illustrated case we show a titanium plate specially designed for its application to the dorsal aspect of the radius. The shape of the plate is similar to the Greek letter “pi”, it is very thin and has many screw holes through which 2.4 mm screws and 1.8 mm Kirschner wires can be used. The screw heads are of a special design so they do not protude from the plate.

preoperative preoperative

+ 4 months + 4 months

preoperative preoperative

+ 1 months + 2 months + 2 months

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

As for the previous subgroup, these articular fractures are associated to a metaphyseal multifragmentation that worsens the global stability, therefore making the treatment more difficult. The length of the radius should be restored by any available means (external fixator,

bone graft, etc.). In the illustrated case it was sufficient with percutaneous Kirschner wires, precisely placed from the tip of the styloid process of the radius and from the dorsal aspect.

preoperative preoperative

postoperative postoperative

+ 1 year + 1 year




						Radius/Ulna, Distal, complete articular fracture, radius, articular simple, metaphyseal multifragmentary	1,06% of the total 8,21% of the radius/ulna 18,60% of the segment






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

The internal fixation through the dorsal aspect of the distal radius may be the only way to stabilize the reduction of those fractures with marked dorsal instability. Although this approach is easier and safer than the volar approach, the use of plates should be avoided because the prominent screw heads and the thickness of the plate itself will interfere with the function of the extensor tendons.	In the illustrated case we show a titanium plate specially designed for its application to the dorsal aspect of the radius. The shape of the plate is similar to the Greek letter “pi”, it is very thin and has many screw holes through which 2.4 mm screws and 1.8 mm Kirschner wires can be used. The screw heads are of a special design so they do not protude from the plate.






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

As for the previous subgroup, these articular fractures are associated to a metaphyseal multifragmentation that worsens the global stability, therefore making the treatment more difficult. The length of the radius should be restored by any available means (external fixator,	bone graft, etc.). In the illustrated case it was sufficient with percutaneous Kirschner wires, precisely placed from the tip of the styloid process of the radius and from the dorsal aspect.