M.E.Müller: Atlas: Fracture 23-C3

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

133 fractures 49,8% group 48%M, 52%F

80 fractures 30,0% group 53%M, 47%F

54 fractures
20,2% group
38%M, 62%F

Metaphseal simple +Q Metaphseal multifragmentary +Q Extending into the diaphysis +Q

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

The joint surface multifragmentation may be impossible to reconstruct, especially in osteoporotic bone. Before an aggressive surgical procedure is undertaken, one must consider the age of the patient, the dominant hand, the

type of work, etc., because bloodless reductions fixed with percutaneous wires and external splints may have more acceptable results than unstable internal fixations with plates and screws.

preoperative preoperative

postoperative + 1 year + 1 year

These are complete multifragmentary articular fractures of the distal radius, with a metaphyseal fracture line also multifragmented. Ref. D. L. Fernández, J. B. Jupiter. Fractures of the distal radius.
Springer, 1995.
Surgeon. DF.

The comminution of the metaphysis causes shortening of the radius, whose length will always have to be restored in order to match the length of the ulna. The use of an external fixator as a distraction device and the addition of bone graft are essential in these cases. Maintenance of the external fixator for a long time will cause neurovegetative disorders. This is why we recommend,

whenever possible, to substitute the external fixator for another immobilization method after 3 weeks.

Depending on its characteristics, the articular fracture will have to be treated by any of the previously described techniques.

preoperative preoperative

postoperative postoperative

+ 1 year + 1 year

These are complete multifragmentary articular fractures of the distal radius with a metaphyseal fracture line, also multifragmentary, and extending into the diaphysis. Ref. D. L. Fernández, J. B. Jupiter. Fractures of the distal radius.
Springer, 1995.
Surgeon. DF.

These are the most serious fractures of the segment. They require surgical talent even if it is only to stabilize them in an acceptable alignment. If it is not possible to obtain a congruent articular surface and the function is

painful, at least we will have a useful epiphysis in order to perform a radio-carpal arthrodesis. A resection of the distal ulna (Darrach) is associated to preserve some pronation and supination.

preoperative preoperative

postoperative postoperative

+ 1 year + 1 year




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






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

The joint surface multifragmentation may be impossible to reconstruct, especially in osteoporotic bone. Before an aggressive surgical procedure is undertaken, one must consider the age of the patient, the dominant hand, the	type of work, etc., because bloodless reductions fixed with percutaneous wires and external splints may have more acceptable results than unstable internal fixations with plates and screws.






These are complete multifragmentary articular fractures of the distal radius, with a metaphyseal fracture line also multifragmented.		Ref. D. L. Fernández, J. B. Jupiter. Fractures of the distal radius. Springer, 1995. Surgeon. DF.

The comminution of the metaphysis causes shortening of the radius, whose length will always have to be restored in order to match the length of the ulna. The use of an external fixator as a distraction device and the addition of bone graft are essential in these cases. Maintenance of the external fixator for a long time will cause neurovegetative disorders. This is why we recommend,	whenever possible, to substitute the external fixator for another immobilization method after 3 weeks. Depending on its characteristics, the articular fracture will have to be treated by any of the previously described techniques.






These are complete multifragmentary articular fractures of the distal radius with a metaphyseal fracture line, also multifragmentary, and extending into the diaphysis.		Ref. D. L. Fernández, J. B. Jupiter. Fractures of the distal radius. Springer, 1995. Surgeon. DF.

These are the most serious fractures of the segment. They require surgical talent even if it is only to stabilize them in an acceptable alignment. If it is not possible to obtain a congruent articular surface and the function is	painful, at least we will have a useful epiphysis in order to perform a radio-carpal arthrodesis. A resection of the distal ulna (Darrach) is associated to preserve some pronation and supination.