Fractures of the Radius and Ulna Menu

Types of Radius/Ulna Fractures:

Both Bone Fractures:

• Fractures of the Adult Ulna

Pediatric Forearm Fractures:

• Pediatric Both Bone Forearm Fractures
• Pediatric Ulnar Fracture
• Green Stick Frx
• Distal Ulnar Physeal Fractures
• Monteggia's Fracture
  • in the child, it is essential to have 3 views of the elbow: (AP, lateral, and oblique) before a Monteggia frx can be ruled out;
  • this is especially true in proximal ulnar shaft frx;

Proximal Radial Fractures:

• radial head frx
• pediatric radial neck frx and adult radial neck fracture

Distal Radius Fractures: (Synthes Distal Radius Products)

• barton's fracture - dorsal
• barton's fracture - volar
• chauffeur's fracture
• colles fracture
• intra-articular fractures of distal radius
• pediatric distal radius fracture

Radial Shaft Fractures:

• radial shaft fractures: discussion
• both bone fractures
• galeazzi's fracture

Radius Anatomy:

• radius is a curved bone with an apex lateral bow with an apex lateral bow;
• cylindral in the proximal third, triangular in the middle third, and flat distally ;
• radius & ulna lie parallel to each other when forearm is supinated;
• during pronation radius crosses ulna, rotating on axis that passes from capitulum through the distal end of ulna;
• proximal radioulnar joint is most stable in supination where the broadest part of the radial head contacts the radial notch of the ulna and the interosseous membrane is taut
• interosseous membrane:
  • radius and ulna are joined by proximal & distal RU joints & by interosseous membrane, which is directed obliquely downward from radius to ulna;
  • since ulna does not articulate w/ carpi, direction of interosseous membrane is important in transmission of longitudinal forces from radius to ulna;

Ulna Anatomy:

• ulna has a triangular shape throughout, with an apex posterior bow in the proximal third
• ular side of wrist is supported by TFCC, which articulates w/ both lunate and triquetrium;
• ulnar attachment of TFC is to base of ulnar styloid & distally to triquetrum w/ volar ulnocarpal ligaments;

Functional Anatomy:

• average range of pronation/supination is 90/90 degrees (50/50 degrees necessary for activities of daily living)
• middle third deformity has a greater effect on supination, with the distal third affecting pronation to a greater degree

Ezekiel 30:21 (King James Version)