Radius Fracture Classic

A fracture of the radius is one of the most common injuries of the forearm, which usually occurs when falling on an outstretched arm with the hand bent at the elbow. Fractures of the radius are often called Collis fractures. With such damage, it is almost always possible to detect a violation of the integrity of the bones of the wrist, but other components of the forearm remain intact. In some cases, the forearm is flexed at the first and second fingers, and the third and fourth are extended.

The basic principle of diagnosing a fracture of the radius is a comparative assessment of the distance between the first and second fingers of the victim’s hand. If it is noticeably less than normal, this may indicate the presence of a fracture. In addition to assessing motor impairment, a detailed X-ray examination of the forearm should be performed. The main radiographic sign of a violation of the integrity of the bones is displacement of the radial head in the presence of a small radial neck. If the distance from the center of the radial head to the point of the axis of the forearm exceeds 2 cm, one can judge the presence of significant injury. During diagnosis, it is necessary to exclude the presence of a metacarpal bone affected by a tumor or cancer, as well as arthritis or polyostotitis.

In the absence of contraindications, the procedure takes about 7 days. The process is carried out under local or intravenous anesthesia. Until the result is obtained, the patient remains in a supine position, with the leg straightened as much as possible. The operating specialist fixes the hand and forearm in the area of ​​the transverse fissure of the scapula through the first ray of the forearm and fingertips at a distance of 3-4 cm from the first joint. To compare fragments, additional methods of osteosynthesis are used, for example, metal structures, bundles of wire, application of plates or fixation with wire sutures. Fixation is carried out using a thread consisting of silk or nylon, no more than 5 m long.