Simultaneous distal radial fractures and carpal bones injuries in children: a review article

Accurate diagnosis is crucial in effectively managing and treating both the radial and carpal fractures. Injuries to the carpal bones are not usually associated with fractures of the distal radius; however, the presence of a distal radius fracture does not preclude an associated carpal injury. The purpose of this review article is to compile cases of past reported distal radius fractures and simultaneous carpal injuries to restate its low prevalence within the pediatric population while still serving as a collective reference for management and treatment. After an electronic literature search was performed, we identified 18 published articles and 28 cases dealing with combined distal radial and carpal bones injuries in the pediatric population. As the mechanism of injury is similar for both fractures, despite the low incidence, orthopedic surgeons need to rule out carpal injury with a distal forearm fracture. Failure to treat both injuries appropriately may result in an unsatisfactory clinical result.