Frykman Classification of Distal Radial Fractures

FractureNo Distal Ulna FractureWith Distal Ulnar Fracture
Extra-articularIII
Intra-articular
Radiocarpal JointIIIIV
Radioulnar JointVVI
RC + RU JointVIIVIII
Frykman (1967) Classification of Distal Radial Fractures
  • Frykman, G. ” Fracture of the distal Radius including Sequelae – Shoulder- hand Syndrome, Disturbance in the distal Radio-ulnar Jt, & Impairment of Nerve Function”
  • Acta Orthop. Scand. 108( suppl): 1-155, 1967
  • Recognises importance of DRUL
  • Criticisms
    • Doesn’t recognise displaced vs undisplaced
    • Does not include extent or direction of initial displacement
    • Does not include presence of dorsal comminution
    • Does not include presence of shortening of the distal fragment
    • Not prognostic