Fractured Distal Radius, Anterior View

Description

Oriented in anatomical position, the distal radius is presented from the anterior (volar) aspect with the metaphysis widening toward the radiocarpal joint. The radial styloid process lies laterally and is separated as a distinct fragment, while the lunate and scaphoid fossae on the distal articular surface show comminution and step-off consistent with an intra-articular pattern. Medially, disruption approaches the sigmoid notch where the distal radioulnar joint articulates with the ulnar head, a relationship that matters when you assess forearm rotation. Fracture geometry is the story. Anterior visualization of a distal radius fracture is most helpful for teaching and planning volar plate fixation, because it emphasizes the volar rim, the watershed line, and the tendency for key fragments to displace under the pull of the brachioradialis on the radial styloid and the pronator quadratus across the volar surface. Intra-articular involvement raises the stakes: residual incongruity across the scaphoid and lunate facets correlates with post-traumatic radiocarpal arthritis, and extension toward the sigmoid notch flags possible DRUJ instability or associated TFCC injury. This is the pattern you correlate with a CT axial series and with physical exam findings of painful, limited pronation-supination. Orthopaedic educators will find this illustration well suited for upper limb anatomy labs, fracture classification discussions (including radial styloid, Barton-type rim fragments, and comminuted intra-articular variants), and operative approach teaching that distinguishes volar from dorsal exposure. It also supports radiology and emergency medicine materials that explain why a seemingly small styloid fragment can imply a larger articular injury and altered carpal alignment. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.