Smith fracture - delayed union

Case contributed by Dr Nikola Todorovic
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Follow-up examination 4 weeks after the fracture.

Patient Data

Age: 75 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

There is delayed union of fragments after Smith type I fracture, with almost no callus formation and volar angulation of fragments.

There is also an ulnar styloid process avulsion (looks old, though this injury is often conjoined with a Smith fracture).

Case Discussion

A delayed union of the fracture fragments due to an inadequate reduction and immobilization.

The patient is on physical treatment without the possibility of complete protocol and is developing Dupuytren's contracture.

Sent to the orthopedic surgeon for evaluation and further treatment.

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