Distal radius fracture

Current Care Guideline «Värttinäluun alaosan murtuma (rannemurtuma)»1 and Summary in Finnish «Värttinäluun alaosan murtuma (rannemurtuma)»2

Distal radius fracture is the most common upper limb fracture. It is usually caused by a fall onto an out-stretched hand. Diagnostics is based on clinical findings, and the primary imaging method is x-ray. A typical distal radius fracture (Colles) can usually be treated non-operatively by closed reduction and application of a dorsal cast with the hand in a functional position. Operative treatment is considered when satisfactory alignment cannot be achieved by closed reduction or when alignment is lost during follow-up. Recovery from the fracture may take up to 6 to 12 months. Regardless of treatment modality and fracture alignment some patients will still suffer from permanent functional disability.