Radia ulna fracture

Background

• Requires great amount of force (vehicular trauma, falls from height, direct blow)
• Neurovascular complications are unusual

Differential Diagnosis

Forearm Fracture Types

• Distal radius fractures
  • Colles' fracture
  • Smith fracture
  • Barton fracture
  • Radial styloid fracture (Chauffeur's fracture)
  • Die-punch fracture
  • Distal radioulnar joint disruption
• Radius and ulna fracture (both-bone forearm fracture)
• Radial head fracture
• Isolated ulna fracture (i.e. nightstick)
• Monteggia fracture-dislocation
• Galeazzi fracture-dislocation
• Essex-Lopresti fracture
• Forearm fracture (peds)
  • Greenstick fracture
  • Torus fracture

Evaluation

Imaging

• Always consider wrist and elbow films
• Assess for angulation
  • AP view: radial styloid and radial tuberosity normally point in opposite directions
  • Lateral view: ulnar styloid and coronoid process normally point in opposite directions

Management

• Rule-out compartment syndrome
  • Often admitted for obs, especially if prolonged reduction
• ORIF

See Also

• Forearm fractures