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Functional and Radiographic Anatomy

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Fractures of the Distal Radius

Abstract

The distal end of the radius is appropriately considered the anatomic foundation of the wrist joint. It is dependent upon both the bony and the ligamentous integrity of this foundation for its mobility as well as its capacity to support axial load. Beginning 2 cm proximal to the radiocarpal joint at its metaphyseal flare, the end of the radius is uniquely designed to function as the anatomic bridge uniting the hand to the forearm.20,21,34

Nothing may inculpate or excoriate a surgeon more than a good x-ray3 Carl Beck, M.D., 1898

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedische Chirurgie FMH, Switzerland

    Diego L. Fernandez M.D.

  2. Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, USA

    Jesse B. Jupiter M.D. (Associate Professor, Director)

  3. Orthopaedic Hand Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA

    Jesse B. Jupiter M.D. (Associate Professor, Director)

Authors
  1. Diego L. Fernandez M.D.
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  2. Jesse B. Jupiter M.D.
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© 1996 Springer-Verlag New York, Inc.

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Fernandez, D.L., Jupiter, J.B. (1996). Functional and Radiographic Anatomy. In: Fractures of the Distal Radius. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0478-4_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0478-4_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-0480-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-0478-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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