How can you tell the difference between Smith and Colles?

Smith’s fractures are less common than Colles’ fractures. The distal fracture fragment is displaced volarly (ventrally), as opposed to a Colles’ fracture which the fragment is displaced dorsally.

Does Smith fracture require surgery?

There are both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. Usually, your doctor will recommend non-surgical treatment if it’s possible. The process of moving broken bones back into place is called reduction. When this is done without surgery, it’s called a closed reduction.

What causes Smith fracture?

Smith’s Fracture is a fracture of the distal end of the radius caused by a fall on the back of the hand (flexed), resulting in a volar displacement of the fractured fragment. It is also known as a reverse Colles fracture.

What is Colles fracture?

A Colles Fracture is a complete fracture of the radius bone of the forearm close to the wrist resulting in an upward (posterior) displacement of the radius and obvious deformity.

What type of fracture is a Smith fracture?

A Smith fracture is an eponym for an extraarticular fracture of the distal radius featuring a volar displacement or angulation of the distal fragment. It is also known as a reverse Colles fracture since the more common Colles fracture features a dorsal displacement of the distal fracture fragment.

Why is it called chauffeur’s fracture?

It was originally named by British surgeon Jonathan Hutchinson (1828-1913). Its other names derive from the typical occupation of people who sustained this injury due to direct trauma from starting a car with a crank. It is also known as backfire fracture or lorry driver fracture 1.

Why is it called Colles fracture?

A Colles fracture is a break in the radius close to the wrist. It was named for the surgeon who first described it. Typically, the break is located about an inch (2.5 centimeters) below where the bone joins the wrist.

Why Colles fracture is called dinner fork deformity?

A dinner fork deformity, also known as a bayonet deformity, occurs as the result of a malunited distal radial fracture, usually a Colles fracture. The distal fragment is dorsally angulated, displaced and often also impacted.

How is a chauffeur fracture treated?

Treatment is often open reduction and internal fixation, which is surgical realignment of the bone fragments and fixation with pins, screws, or plates.

How can you tell the difference between Smith and Colles? Smith’s fractures are less common than Colles’ fractures. The distal fracture fragment is displaced volarly (ventrally), as opposed to a Colles’ fracture which the fragment is displaced dorsally. Does Smith fracture require surgery? There are both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. Usually, your doctor will…