Types of wrist fractures

Wrist fractures or distal radius fractures are most usually caused by a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH). Due to osteoporosis, the chance of those fractures will increase with age (termed ‘fragility fractures’). However, kids between 5-15yrs are also liable to these types of wrist  fractures.

The distal radius takes eighty% of the axial load below the scaphoid and lunate fossae. A FOOSH reasons a compelled supination or pronation of the carpus; this in flip will increase the impaction load of the distal radius.

Classification;

Colles’ Fracture;

A Colles’ fracture* describes an additional-articular fracture of the distal radius with dorsal angulation and dorsal displacement, inside 2cm of the articular floor. This type of fracture typically happens as a “fragility fracture” in osteoporotic bone.

It occurs whilst someone falls forwards and plants their outstretched hand in the front of them. The switch of load as their frame falls forces the wrist into supination

Colle's fracture

Smith’s Fracture;

This describes the volar angulation of the distal fragment of a further-articular fracture of the distal radius (the opposite of a Colles fracture), without or with volar displacement.

This type of fracture is because of falling backward and planting the outstretched hand in the back of the frame, causing a forced pronation kind harm. These are much less not unusual.

Smith's fracture

Barton’s Fracture;

This is an intra-articular fracture of the distal radius with associated dislocation of the radio-carpal joint.

A Barton fracture can be described as volar (extra common) or dorsal (much less common), relying on whether or not the volar or dorsal rim of the radius is involved.

Barton's fracture