Management of soft-tissue injuries in distal radius fractures

Abstract

Distal radius fractures account for approximately 15% of all fractures in adults, and are the most common fractures seen in the emergency department. Soft-tissue injuries associated with distal radius fractures may influence strategies for the acute management of the fracture, but also may be a source of persisting pain and/or disability despite fracture healing. This article describes soft-tissue injuries and considerations for treatment associated with distal radius fractures, including injuries to the skin, tendon and muscle, ligaments, the triangular fibrocartilage complex, neurovascular structures, and related conditions such as compartment syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome.