The distal radial articular surface is the concave cartilage-covered face of the distal radius consisting of the scaphoid fossa laterally and the lunate fossa medially, separated by a central ridge. The articular surface is normally inclined 11-12 degrees palmarly and 22-23 degrees ulnarly, parameters that are restored during distal radius fracture reduction.
| Articulations |
|
|---|---|
| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | The distal radial epiphysis appears at age 1-2 and fuses at age 17-19, the last long bone physeal closure in the upper limb. |
Restoring the palmar tilt and ulnar inclination of the distal radial articular surface is the primary goal of Colles fracture reduction and fixation. Loss of radial height and palmar tilt leads to carpal malalignment and wrist pain. Intra-articular step-off greater than 2 mm predicts post-traumatic wrist arthritis and requires surgical reduction. The articular surface is evaluated on CT for step-off and comminution before surgical planning.
Fractures extending into the radiocarpal joint surface need anatomical reduction to prevent post-traumatic arthritis.
Axial load through the lunate depresses the lunate facet of the distal radius.
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