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Epidemiology, Mechanism, Classification

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Fractures of the Distal Radius

Abstract

Fracture of the distal end of the radius has been estimated to account for upwards of one-sixth of all fractures seen and treated in emergency rooms.19,20,47 Given its frequency, it is somewhat surprising that little has been written outside of the Scandinavian literature regarding its epidemiologic features.1,4,5,14,24,33,40,47,60 By the same token, the Scandinavian studies have provided us a relatively clear understanding of a number of features of the distal radius fracture, including incidence, age and sex prevalence, mechanisms, and in some cases, associated risk factors. From a compilation of data generated by epidemiologic studies, it is evident that distal radius fractures are more common in women, increase in incidence in both sexes with advancing years, and resnet more frequently from falls from level ground than from higher-energy trauma.

My own feeling is that whatever their fallibility, eponyms illustrate the lineage of surgery and bring to it the color of old times, distinguished features, ancient sieges and pestilences, and continually remind us of the international nature of science... 50 M. Ravitch, M.D.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedische Chirurgie FMH, Switzerland

    Diego L. Fernandez M.D.

  2. Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, USA

    Jesse B. Jupiter M.D. (Associate Professor, Director)

  3. Orthopaedic Hand Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA

    Jesse B. Jupiter M.D. (Associate Professor, Director)

Authors
  1. Diego L. Fernandez M.D.
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  2. Jesse B. Jupiter M.D.
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Fernandez, D.L., Jupiter, J.B. (1996). Epidemiology, Mechanism, Classification. In: Fractures of the Distal Radius. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0478-4_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0478-4_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-0480-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-0478-4

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