Surgery of the elbow | Surgery of the wrist | Surgery of the hand

Fractures occurring during snowboard and mountain bike activities are often due to high-energy mechanism and result in complex fracture patterns.

Most complex distal forearm fractures with joint involvement require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in order to reconstruct the normal joint congruency and the appropriate length and orientation of the forearm bones. Posttraumatic joint stiffness is avoided by means of early range of motion exercises that are allowed when the plate and screws are providing sufficient stability through strong bone anchoring, as obtained with locking plates.

Complex distal forearm fracture (Radius fracture type 23-AO-C3) and fracture of the styloideus ulna due to a mountain bike accident.

Range of motion of the wrist after completion of range of motion programme.

ORIF of the radius with both volar locking and radial non-locking plates and stabilization of the styloideus ulna with a compression screw.

Complex fracture of the distal end of the forearm in a mountain biker