Radius Fracture: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps:

• General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further:
  • Inspection (viewing):
    • Soft tissue damage: bruise marks, hematoma (bruise), abrasion, wounds in the fracture area (open fracture).
    • Malposition
    • Previous damage, scars
  • Palpation (palpation), as far as possible:
    • Pressure pain:
      • Over the distal radius
      • Above the distal radio-ulnar joint (radius-ulna joint).
      • Over the distal ulna (ulna)
      • In the tabatière
    • Checking the vascular status (circulatory disorders?), motor function and sensitivity.
    • If necessary, as far as possible, functional tests
    • Examination for additional concomitant injuries

At the end of the physical examination, hernia gap anesthesia may be given for analgesia (pain relief).