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Compression Fractures of the Articular Surface

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Abstract

Compression fractures of the distal radius are those injuries whose major feature is an impaction of the subchondral and metaphyseal cancellous bone in concert with disruption of the distal radius articular surface (Fig. 7.1). In some instances, restoration of the articular disruption is readily achieved by applying longitudinal tension on the radiocarpal ligaments,3 while in other instances, the disimpaction of the cartilage-bearing fragments may require operative reduction with replacement of the metaphyseal bony defect with a bone graft.

It is conceivable that in the case of a sudden and violent fall, the force of which is sustained by the hand, the rounded articular surface of the carpal mass, before the movement of backward flexion is completed, may be driven up against the concave articular surface of the radius with such force as to split it or perforate it. L.S. Pilcher, M.D. 1917

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Fernandez, D.L., Jupiter, J.B. (1996). Compression Fractures of the Articular Surface. In: Fractures of the Distal Radius. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0478-4_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0478-4_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-0480-7

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