Presentation
Fall on to an outstretched hand. He complains of pain in the wrist and limited movements.
Patient Data
Age: 50 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Smith fracture
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X-ray wrist joint AP and lateral views showing a fracture involving the distal radius with volar angulation of the fractured distal fragment, representing a Smith fracture. Widening of the scapholunate interval is also noted.
Case Discussion
Smith fractures (sometimes called reverse Colles fractures) account for approximately 3% of radius fractures. Smith fractures are fractures of the distal radius with volar angulation of the distal fracture fragment. They frequently occur as a result of a fall on to a flexed wrist or because of a direct blow to the back of the wrist.