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Authors

Florian Gebhard, Phil Kregor, Chris Oliver, Markku T Nousiainen

Executive Editor

Chris Colton, Richard Buckley

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33A3.1/.2   Extraarticular fracture, wedge

General considerations

Metaphyseal wedge fractures are more often seen in younger patients and can result from higher energy injuries.

Surgeons should always be aware that it may not be until during surgery that an occult intraarticular extension is discovered and that they may need to deal with such a fracture by reducing the articular surface using a lag screw technique.

33A3.1 Intact wedge

These fractures are characterized by contact between the main fragments after reduction usually, restoring the normal length of the bone. The wedge is intact.

33A3.1 Intact wedge

X-ray taken from Orozco R et al, (1998) Atlas of Internal Fixation. Used with kind permission.

33A3.1 Intact wedge X-ray

33A3.2 Fragmentary wedge

These fractures are characterized by contact between the main fragments after reduction, usually restoring the normal length of the bone. The wedge is fragmented.

33A3.2 Fragmentary wedge

X-ray by courtesy of Spital Davos, Switzerland, Dr C Ryf and Dr A Leumann.

33A3.2 Fragmentary wedge X-ray
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