All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Fracture of the radius in the typical place: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
ICD-10 code
S52.5. Fracture of the lower end of the radius.
What causes a radius fracture in a typical location?
An extension fracture (Collis extension fracture) may result from indirect trauma, a fall on a hand extended at the wrist, although it may also occur with direct violence. The displacement of fragments in an extension fracture is typical: the central fragment is displaced to the palmar side, the peripheral fragment to the dorsal and radial side. An angle open to the back is formed between the fragments.
A flexion fracture (Smith's fracture) occurs when falling on a hand bent at the wrist joint, less often - from a direct mechanism of impact. Under the action of the mechanism of injury and muscle contraction, the peripheral fragment is displaced to the palmar and radial sides, the central one - to the back. An angle is formed between the fragments, open to the palmar side.
Symptoms of a typical fracture of the radius
The patient is concerned about pain and dysfunction of the wrist joint.
Classification of radius fracture in typical location
Depending on the mechanism of injury, a distinction is made between extension and flexion types of fracture, the former being encountered much more frequently.
[ 4 ]
Diagnosis of a fracture of the radius in a typical location
Anamnesis
The anamnesis indicates a corresponding injury.
Inspection and physical examination
The distal forearm is bayonet-shaped and swollen. Palpation is sharply painful, revealing displaced bone fragments. Positive axial load symptom. Movements in the wrist joint are limited due to pain.
Laboratory and instrumental studies
An X-ray confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment of a typical fracture of the radius
Conservative treatment of radius fracture in typical location
Extension fracture. After anesthesia of the fracture site with 1% procaine solution in the amount of 10-20 ml, closed manual reposition is performed. The forearm is bent at an angle of 90° and countertraction is created: traction on the hand along the longitudinal axis of the limb and to the ulnar side for 10-15 minutes. After the muscles are relaxed, the peripheral fragment is displaced to the palmar and ulnar sides. To eliminate the angular deformation, the hand is bent together with the distal fragment to the palmar side. This manipulation is usually performed over the edge of the table, having first placed a thin oilcloth pad under the arm. In the achieved position (palmar flexion and slight ulnar abduction), a dorsal plaster splint is applied from the upper third of the forearm to the metacarpophalangeal joints for a period of 4 weeks. Movements in the fingers are allowed from the 2nd day. UHF to the fracture area - from the 3rd day. After the immobilization is eliminated, a course of rehabilitation treatment is prescribed.
Flexion fracture. After anesthetizing the fracture site, perform closed manual reposition. Create traction along the longitudinal axis of the limb, place the peripheral fragment along the central one, i.e. move it to the dorsal and ulnar sides. To eliminate angular displacement, the peripheral fragment is extended, and the hand is given a position of extension in the wrist joint at an angle of 30°, create a slight flexion of the fingers, and opposition of the 1st finger. In this position, apply a palmar plaster splint from the elbow joint to the heads of the metacarpal bones. The immobilization and rehabilitation periods are the same as for a Colles fracture.