injuries poisoning
Distal Radius Fractures
Key Points
Most distal radius fractures are dorsally displaced or angulated (sometimes called Colles fractures); they are common, particularly among older patients. Wrist fractures can cause deformity or swelling, which can injure the median nerve. Take anteroposterior and lateral x-rays, which usually show distal radius fractures, if present; however, occasionally, CT is needed to identify intra-articular fractures. Try closed reduction followed by splinting, but if closed reduction is unsuccessful or if the joint is disrupted or excessively shortened, consider ORIF. 