What is a displaced distal radius fracture?

The forearm has two bones: the radius and the ulna. The end of the radius and ulna form one side of the wrist joint. Fracture of the end of the radius (distal radius fracture, figure) is one of the most common fractures. Sometimes there is also a small fracture of the ulna.

What is displacement?

Displacement means that the bones are more than slightly out of place. Most patients have a displaced fracture realigned in the Emergency Department. Sometimes an attempt at realignment does not work. Or the fracture moves again in the weeks after realignment.

Figure: Distal radius fracture.