[2] This fracture typically occurs in patients who have fallen on an outstretched hand (a "FOOSH" injury).
The examination finding of tenderness of the distal radio-ulnar joint suggests an Essex-Lopresti injury in patients who have sustained high energy forearm trauma.
Plain radiography shows the radial head fracture, with dorsal subluxation of the ulna often seen on lateral view of the pronated wrist.
Delayed treatment of the radial head fracture will also lead to proximal migration of the radius.
[3] The distal radio-ulnar joint dislocation can be reduced by supination of the forearm, and may be pinned in place for 6 weeks to allow healing of the interosseous membrane.