Presentation
Recent trauma to the right wrist.
Patient Data
Age: 40 years
Gender: Male
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Impacted extra-articular distal radial shaft fracture is noted with volar angulation of the distal fragment (Smith fracture). There is related moderate deep subcutaneous edema.
Oblique fracture of the base of the ulnar styloid process is noted with a 2 mm gap.
Case Discussion
This is an example of Smith fracture with associated ulnar styloid process fracture. Type I is the most common type of Smith fractures, accounting for 80-90% of cases. It occurs either due to a fall on flexed hand or direct blow to the back of the wrist. A Smith fracture tends to be more unstable than a Colles fracture.