Colles fracture - dinner fork deformity

Case contributed by Khalid Alhusseiny
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Recent fall on right hand with wrist deformity.

Patient Data

Age: 9 years
Gender: Female

Recent complete transverse fractures at the distal metaphyses of the radius and ulna with marked dorsal angulation as well as impaction and overriding at the radius. The distal radioulnar joint is prominent.

Case Discussion

Dinner fork deformity is a term used to describe the appearance of the wrist on a lateral radiograph in cases of distal radial fracture with associated dorsal displacement and impaction, as seen in cases of Colles fracture. The mechanism of injury is usually a fall on an outstretched hand.

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