Forearm fracture

This page is for adult patients. For pediatric patients, see: forearm fracture (peds)

Background

Left arm, anterior view of radius and ulna.

Left arm, posterior view of radius and ulna.

• Solitary fractures of the forearm are uncommon
  • Fractures usually occur at two or more sites or also involve a ligamentous injury

Types

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

Galeazzi fracture-dislocation

Evaluation

• Distal radius x-ray

See Also

• Fracture (Main)
• Forearm fracture (peds)