Fractured Ulna and Radius, Anterior View

Description

Presented in an anterior (volar) forearm orientation, the distal thirds of the radius and ulna are shown with complete transverse fractures and clear displacement near the wrist. The distal radius lies lateral (radial) to the ulna in anatomical position, terminating toward the radial styloid, while the ulna remains medial, tapering to the ulnar head and styloid region adjacent to the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Fracture margins are emphasized in red, making the cortical discontinuity and malalignment easy to localize against otherwise normal bony texture. Displacement is obvious. Both-bone fractures of the distal forearm matter because restoring length, alignment, and rotation is not optional if you want normal pronation and supination. Malreduction of the radius can destabilize the DRUJ, and persistent ulnar variance after healing can drive ulnocarpal abutment symptoms, reduced grip strength, and pain with forearm rotation. This anterior view is also well suited for teaching why these injuries are treated differently than isolated distal radius fractures, since the interosseous membrane and the paired-bone biomechanics transmit load and can conceal longitudinal instability when only one segment is addressed. Use this artwork in orthopedic trauma lectures on adult forearm fractures, in anatomy and kinesiology modules covering the radius and ulna as a functional unit, or in patient-facing surgical consent materials explaining why plates and screws are often recommended for displaced both-bone injuries. It also fits radiology-pathology correlation pages discussing alignment criteria, DRUJ assessment, and complications such as compartment syndrome after forearm trauma. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.