A Colles fracture is best described as a distal radius fracture with which deformity?

A Colles fracture is best described as a distal radius fracture with which deformity?

• A. Chauffeur's Fracture
• B. Smith Fracture
• C. Colles Fracture
• D. Barton's Fracture

Answer: (C)

The key idea is the direction of displacement of the distal fragment in a distal radius fracture. A Colles fracture classically presents with dorsal (posterior) tilt of the distal radius fragment, producing the characteristic dinner fork deformity. This pattern results from a fall on an outstretched hand and is common in older adults with osteoporosis. It is typically extra-articular, which helps differentiate it from fractures that involve the joint. In contrast, a Smith fracture shows the distal fragment tilted palmarly (volar), a Chauffeur’s fracture is an avulsion of the radial styloid, and a Barton fracture is an intra-articular fracture with radiocarpal dislocation.

The key idea is the direction of displacement of the distal fragment in a distal radius fracture. A Colles fracture classically presents with dorsal (posterior) tilt of the distal radius fragment, producing the characteristic dinner fork deformity. This pattern results from a fall on an outstretched hand and is common in older adults with osteoporosis. It is typically extra-articular, which helps differentiate it from fractures that involve the joint.

In contrast, a Smith fracture shows the distal fragment tilted palmarly (volar), a Chauffeur’s fracture is an avulsion of the radial styloid, and a Barton fracture is an intra-articular fracture with radiocarpal dislocation.