page_title: Classification of distal radius fractures
section_title: Radial length and ulnar variance
hierarchical_section_title: Classification of distal radius fractures / Anatomy / Radial length and ulnar variance
caption_attribution_description: English: Relationship between radial length and ulnar variance. Radial length is the measure from distal ulna to radial styloid process. When ulnar variance is neutral radial length should be between 9-12mm.
context_page_description: There are a number of ways to classify distal radius fractures. Classifications systems are devised to describe patterns of injury which will behave in predictable ways, to distinguish between conditions which have different outcomes or which need different treatments. Most wrist fracture systems have failed to accomplish any of these goals and there is no consensus about the most useful one.
  At one extreme, a stable undisplaced extra-articular fracture has an excellent prognosis. On the other hand, an unstable, displaced intra-articular fracture is difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis without operative intervention.
  Eponyms such as Colles', Smith's, and Barton's fractures are discouraged.
context_section_description: Radial length is an important consideration in distal radius fractures. Radial length should be between 9-12mm. Distal radius fractures typically result in loss of length as the radius collapses from the loading force of the injury.  With increasing relative lengthening of the uninjured ulna (positive ulnar variance), ulnar impaction syndrome may occur. Ulnar impaction syndrome is a painful condition of excessive contact and wear between the ulna and the carpus with an associated is a degenerative tear of the TFCC.
caption: Positive, neutral, and negative ulnar variance. Relationship between radial length and ulnar variance. Radial length is the measure from distal ulna to radial styloid process. When ulnar variance is neutral radial length should be between 9-12mm.[7]
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