Distal Radius Fractures

This chapter presents a case scenario of a 48-year-old female patient, who works as a waitress, presents to the Emergency Department after a fall onto her outstretched right hand. Unstable intra-articular distal radius fractures frequently undergo surgical fixation. Surgical fixation options include the concepts of internal fixation versus external fixation. The open reduction and internal fixation group showed favorable radiographic outcomes with regards to ulnar variance and restoration of volar tilt. Both dorsal and volar plating can be considered safe surgical techniques. One of the major goals of surgical treatment of patients with distal radius fractures is to restore the anatomy of the distal radius and the articular congruency. Arthroscopically assisted surgery may require additional equipment, increased surgery time, and costs. The chapter also provides recommendations for implementing evidence-based practice in the clinical setting.