Distal radius malunion

Abstract

Fractures of the distal radius are among the most common fractures treated by orthopedic surgeons. In the healed distal radius fracture, the discrepancy from actual alignment to anatomic alignment is malunion. Minimal malunion of the distal radius may be asymptomatic or cause mild to moderate clinical problems. With the increasing magnitude of distal radius malunion weakness, carpal instability, posttraumatic arthritis, ulnar carpal abutment, and other problems can occur, resulting in significant disability. Malunion of the distal radius should be scrutinized and treated with corrective osteotomy when clinically indicated.