

Radial head fractures may be difficult to visualize on initial imaging but should be suspected when there are limitations of elbow extension and supination following trauma. Combined fractures involving both the ulna and radius generally require surgical correction. Similarly, they consist of fracture of distal radial metaphyseal region but with volar angulation and impaction. These fractures are treated with immobilization or surgery, depending on the degree of displacement and angulation. Smith fractures are fractures of distal radius that occur as the result of a fall on a flexed wrist. Isolated midshaft ulna (nightstick) fractures are often caused by a direct blow to the forearm. It should be noted that these fractures may be complicated by a median nerve injury. A nondisplaced, or minimally displaced, distal radius fracture is initially treated with a sugar-tong splint, followed by a short-arm cast for a minimum of three weeks. In adults, distal radius fractures are the most common forearm fractures and are typically caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. Depending on the degree of angulation, buckle and greenstick fractures can be managed with immobilization. Greenstick fractures, which have cortical disruption, are also common in children. Incomplete compression fractures without cortical disruption, called buckle (torus) fractures, are common in children. There is usually immediate pain, tenderness, bruising, and.

The symptoms of a smith fracture are similar to other types of fractures. If initial imaging findings are negative and suspicion of fracture remains, splinting and repeat radiography in seven to 14 days should be performed. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D. Evaluation with radiography or ultrasonography usually can confirm the diagnosis. To complicate matters, the Smith fracture was di - vided into three types in 1957 by Thomas 8 and re - visited in a description by Ellis 9 in 1965. A fall onto an outstretched hand is the most common mechanism of injury for fractures of the radius and ulna. Smith fractures by the presence of intraarticular radiocarpal joint involvement 8, 9 (Fig. Fractures of the radius and ulna are the most common fractures of the upper extremity, with distal fractures occurring more often than proximal fractures.
