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Late

Authoring team

Possible late complications include:

  • mal-union (1)
    • is common
    • the reduction may have been incomplete or displacement overlooked
    • disability may be minor but unsightly deformity may be more of a problem
    • surgical correction may be indicated

  • non-union of the ulnar styloid process (1)
  • rupture of extensor pollicis longus (2)
    • due to either movement across a sharp edge of bone or if displacement is minimal, probably, ischaemia
    • usually treated by tendon transfer using one of the extensors of the index finger

  • stiffness (1)
    • from inadequate exercise and / or prolonged splintage
    • may affect the wrist or the shoulder

Reference

  1. Jupiter JB, Fernandez DL. Complications following distal radial fractures. Instr Course Lect. 2002;51:203-19.
  2. Roth KM, Blazar PE, Earp BE, et al. Incidence of extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture after nondisplaced distal radius fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 2012 May;37(5):942-7.

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