Injuries of the distal radial epiphysis

From 1964 to 1971 76 children with injuries of the wrist near the radial epiphysis were treated. On this occasion secondary injuries of the ulnar epiphysis, the styloid process ulnae, as well as concommitant bend-fractures of the distal ulna were found. Thirty-one of the patients were able to undergo a clinical and X-ray follow-up program. Restricted movements were not found; however radiologically deviations especially dorsally up to 15 degrees were found. In 5 concommitant strain fractures of the styloid process ulnae 4 pseudarthrotic healings of these strain fractures could be seen. During the follow-up these patients complained of pain after extended periods of utilisation or work involving the wrist. In 2 more patients, also complaining of pain after longer usage of the wrist joint, no objective cause could be found. The possibility of a posttraumatic structural disturbance in the distal radio-ulnar joint is discussed.