This is a break of the radius at the end closest to the wrist joint. Although it forms the forearm together with the ulna bone, it is involved in the wrist joint and is often referred to as a wrist fracture. It is the most common fracture of the arm, usually occurring in people over 60 years of age with a certain degree of osteoporosis.
It is usually caused by a fall while walking or running, with the weight of the body resting on the outstretched arm.
It manifests with pain, swelling and inability to move the wrist (functional impotence).
The diagnosis is made by reviewing the patient's medical history, performing a physical examination and X-rays of the wrist in different projections.
In all cases, analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatment is associated with pain control. In non-displaced fractures it will generally be sufficient to immobilise the joint with a splint or cast. Complex fractures or fractures with bone displacement will often require surgical fixation.
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