Abstract
Today, there are various classifications for distal radius fractures (DRF). However,
they are primarily based on plain radiographs and do not provide sufficient information
on the best treatment option. There are newer classifications that simultaneously
consider the pathobiomechanical basis of the fracture mechanism and analysis of computed
tomography images. Main determinants of which type of DRFs occurs are the strength/direction
of the applied forces on the carpus and radius, and the position of the wrist relative
to the radius during the fall. Reconstruction of the mechanism of injury provides
information about which anatomic structures are involved, such as torn ligaments,
bone fragments, and the dislocated osteoligamentous units. This article attempts to
combine and modify current pathobiomechanically oriented classifications with an improved
understanding of the “key fragments” to subsequently offer a treatment approach to
stabilize these critical fragments through specific types of internal fixation.
Keywords
distal radius fracture - volar locking plate - complications - outcome - radiological
