DRF
Medical abbreviation · Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology
| Stands for | Distal radius fracture |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
DRF stands for Distal radius fracture, a musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviation.
Break of the radius near the wrist, among the most common fractures, typically from a fall on an outstretched hand. Patterns include the dorsally displaced Colles fracture and the volarly displaced Smith fracture; treatment ranges from casting to plate fixation.
Example: Displaced intra-articular DRF in 52-year-old; volar locking plate ORIF scheduled.
Usage notes
Colles fracture is named after Irish surgeon Abraham Colles, who described it in 1814. In older women, a DRF is often the first sign of osteoporosis and should prompt bone density testing. Older adults frequently do well with casting even with some residual deformity. Complications include median nerve compression and complex regional pain syndrome.
Related abbreviations
More musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations
- DDD – Degenerative disc disease
- DDH – Developmental dysplasia of the hip
- DISH – Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
- DJD – Degenerative joint disease
- DM – Dermatomyositis
- DMARD – Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
- ESI – Epidural steroid injection
- FAI – Femoroacetabular impingement
- FM – Fibromyalgia
- FOOSH – Fall on outstretched hand
- FRAX – Fracture Risk Assessment Tool
- GCA – Giant cell arteritis
See all 71 musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.