Chapter 8, Problem 1ILQ

Watch this video (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/fractures) to see how fractures of the distal radius bone can affect the wrist joint. Explain the problems that may occur if a fracture of the distal radius involves the joint surface of the radiocarpal joint of the wrist.

Summary Introduction

To write:

To discuss the problem that may arise if there is a fracture of the distal radius that gets involved with radiocarpal joint of the wrist.

Introduction:

The fracture of the distal radius is commonly termed as a wrist fracture. The fracture results in swelling and pain in the wrist. The fracture often occurs when there is an axial force across the wrist causing injury due to the magnitude and direction of the force, position of the wrist and the bone density.

Explanation of Solution

The wrist comprises of joints between the two bones of forearm and carpal bones of the wrist. The radio-carpal joint, also known as wrist joint, is the place where the radius bone of the forearm meets the first row of the carpal bones of the lower hand. There are strong ligaments that keep the joints stable and provide limited movements. The limited movements are due to triangular fibrocartilage connecting the radius bone and ulnar styloid.

The hand is functional due to the distal radio-ulnar joint wherein the ulna acts as the axis of rotation and the radius rolls around it. There are many nerves, arteries and tendons passing through the wrist joint. During fracture, the nerves tendons get injured as well causing pain and swelling.

There are muscles that pass close to the bone on the palmer and during displaced fracture, it gets lacerated or gets trapped between fracture fragments. There are median nerve and blood vessels that run through the space between the carpal tunnels. The fracture could cause bleeding which would compress the median nerves leading to acute carpal tunnel syndrome.

Fractures occurring in the radio-carpal joint surface may be stable or unstable. In unstable condition, the fractured fragments move out of position during healing time as the forces from the muscles and ligaments pull them out. The stable fractures are those which do not affect the fractured bones. But, the fragments do not return to their original shape.

Conclusion

The fracture of the distal radius with the radio-carpal joint causes injury to the smaller bones in the joints which are defined by the type of injury. The fractured fragments are either stable or unstable during the healing process.