Q-21 · Distal Radius Fractures · trauma · A–E keys

A 32-year-old has an intra-articular distal radius fracture. After reduction, articular step-off remains >2 mm in a high-demand wrist. Soft tissues are acceptable. Counseling should emphasize:

• A.Residual incongruity in young adults is linked to post-traumatic arthritis — reconstruct if the envelope allows
• B.Any remaining step-off is irrelevant if radial height looks improved
• C.Volar plating is contraindicated in patients under 40
• D.Cast and ignore the DRUJ in every extra-articular pattern