= fracture of the distal radius

- typically due to trauma in old age > 50 yrs

- osteoporosis ^ risk

- occurs when fall & land on outstretched hand or w/ forced dorsiflexion of wrist

-usu. results from direct axial compression thru

wrist or excessive wrist dorsiflexion

- scaphoid = at base of anatomical snuff box

- pain in anatomical snuff box

- consider Colles' fracture w/ this injury

-possible radial nerve involvement

- use CT or MRI (24-48 hrs after injury) to dx b/c does not show on x-ray immediately

TX = NSAIDS, analgesics

= incomplete compression fracture usu. near metaphysis or diaphysis of radius (distal 3rd pt of radius)

- common in kids & results frm falling on outstretched hand -> collaspses dorsal cortex making distal fragment angled dorsally

- swelling & redness may make arm look deformed

Tx: NSAIDS, opiods, immobilization 3-4 wks

= partial dislocation of the elbow

- occurs w/ traction of the extended arm while elbow is extended

- involves entrapment of annular ligament

- seen in pts 1-3 yrs

- result of arm being pulled too hard

- stiffness @ joint

warning sign- child holds arm w/ slight flexion @ elbow & refuses to use it

- usu. normal x-rays

-no swelling

Tx: pop joint back in place (supinate and flex forearm)

= degenerative joint disease

- involves PIP & DIP joints & CMC joints of thumb

- progressive cartilage deformity

- bony deformity & bony nodules @ PIP joints (Bouchard's nodes) and DIP joints (Heberden's nodes)

- gradual onset

- localized pain in finger joints & thumb

- stiffness, swelling, diff. w/ gripping

- atrophy of hand muscles

- pain upon palpation

x-ray: shows nonuniform jt space narrowing

TX: NSAID, corticosteroid injectns