Radiology of acute wrist injuries.

One of the most frequent skeletal injuries to the body is a fracture of the distal forearm or wrist. These injuries commonly arise from a fall onto an outstretched hand. Plain radiographs are the mainstay in the initial evaluation of these injuries. Factors affecting injuries to the forearm and wrist depend on the age of the patient, severity of injury, exact mechanism and direction of force to the injury. However, wrist injuries in particular can be subtle on plain radiographs and therefore difficult to identify. It is essential to identify injuries early so that appropriate management is implemented and early recovery of normal function is seen. This article reviews basic anatomy, classical radiological signs and common distal forearm and wrist injuries.