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Complete fracture of the radius and incomplete fracture of ulna

Case contributed by Thuan Tzen, Koh
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall onto outstretched hand

Patient Data

Age: 8 years
Gender: Female

Complete transverse fracture of the distal right radial metadiaphysis with posterolateral displacement by one shaft width, shortening by around 1 cm and mild radial angulation. There is an associated buckle fracture of the distal ulna metadiaphysis with slight radial angulation. No fracture involvement of the growth plates. The distal radioulnar joint alignment appears preserved.

Case Discussion

A nice example of co-existing complete and incomplete fractures in a child. This case is great for practising fracture descriptions; fracture type, location, displacement, angulation, growth plate involvement, joint alignment, intra-articular extension etc. It is important to remember that the proximal structures are taken as being in an anatomical position with the relative displacement and angulation of the distal structures described. 

My description for this case goes something like: "Complete transverse fracture of the distal right radial metadiaphysis with posterolateral displacement by one shaft width, shortening by around 1 cm and mild radial angulation. There is an associated buckle fracture of the distal ulna metadiaphysis with slight radial angulation. No fracture involvement of the growth plates. The distal radioulnar joint alignment appears preserved."  

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