Distal Radial Fracture

Question 1

How does Colles’ fracture commonly occur?

Common in people with what condition?

Answer 1

Fall onto outstretched hands
Described as a dinner fork deformity

Osteoporosis

Question 2

3 classic features of Colles’?

Answer 2

Transverse fracture of the radius
1 inch proximal to the radio-carpal joint
Dorsal displacement and angulation

Question 3

Smith’s fracture?

Answer 3

Volar angulation of distal radius fragment (Garden spade deformity) - posterior displacement
Caused by falling backwards onto the palm of an outstretched hand or falling with wrists flexed

Question 4

Barton’s fracture?

Answer 4

Distal radius fracture (Colles’/Smith’s) with associated radiocarpal dislocation
Fall onto extended and pronated wrist

Question 5

Mx of distal radial fractures? (3)

Answer 5

Reduction
Back slab
Analgesia

Question 6

Complications?

Answer 6

Median/ulnar nerve damage
Compartment syndrome
Deformity
Arthritis