Transverse distal radial fracture (child)

Case contributed by Jeremy Jones
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall from bike. Swollen at the wrist and reluctant to move. Distally intact.

Patient Data

Age: 10 years
Gender: Male

Transverse fracture of the distal radius. Minor dorsal angulation. No ulna fracture.

Case Discussion

Distal radial fractures in children are usually buckle or transverse. In this case, the fracture is complete and extends across the distal radius - this is a transverse fracture, not a buckle.

This is important because treatment differs. A buckle fracture will be stable and can be treated in a splint. A transverse radial fracture will need a cast and fracture clinic follow up.

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