Arthrosis is a term sometimes used in place of the word 'joint.' It is also used to describe degenerative changes affecting a joint. On an X-ray this may look like a narrowed joint space or bone spurs in and around the joint.

The radius or radial bone is the larger of two bones in the forearm. The smaller bone is the ulna. A displaced fracture refers to the fact that the bone has broken and moved so that the joint surfaces no longer match up.

Long-term studies of displaced radial fractures report that these changes are common. In fact more than 80% of the patients in the studies showed non-inflammatory joint changes. Patients still have good grip strength and motion so function isn't affected even after 15 years of follow-up.