[Special forms of distal radius fractures]

The severity of a fracture of the distal radius is not only determined by the type of the fracture but also by concomitant ligamentous and carpal injuries, which are often underestimated and imply a higher degree of instability than the bony lesion alone. Therefore classifications are valuable, which combine fracture type and associated lesions, thus permitting conclusion about the therapeutic method of choice. The article discusses indication, operative technique and special features of radial fractures in combination with carpal injuries, of radial styloid fractures as well as Barton's and Reverse-Barton's fractures, of bilateral radial fractures and of radial fractures as part of a chain fracture. It is important to perform an early fasciotomy and carpal tunnel release in cases of severe soft tissue damage and threatening compartment syndrome.