Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Radius fracture is usually caused by a fall on the outstretched palm (extension fracture; Colles fracture) or flexed hand (flexion fracture; Smith fracture). In this regard, high-energy trauma can be distinguished in young individuals (< 40 years of age) from older individuals with low-energy trauma.
In this case, the entire force of the impact is transmitted to the wrist. The radius breaks at a typical location (loco typico) a few centimeters from the wrist. Cofactors in the elderly are: Osteoporosis (bone loss) and vertigo (due to cardiac arrhythmias or cerebral ischemia/disorders of cerebral blood flow).
Etiology (causes)
Other causes
- Minor trauma
- Fall
- Traffic accident
