Smith fracture: What is the classic definition?

Smith fracture: What is the classic definition?

• A. A distal radius fracture with posterior angulation
• B. A distal radius fracture with ventral angulation
• C. A proximal radius fracture
• D. A distal ulna fracture

Answer: (B)

Smith fracture is a distal radius fracture in which the distal fragment is displaced toward the palm, giving ventral (volar/palmar) angulation on imaging. This classic pattern results from a fall on a flexed wrist or a blow to the dorsal hand, producing a volar tilt of the distal fragment. It’s the mirror image of Colles fracture, which has dorsal angulation from an extended-wrist mechanism. Understanding the direction of displacement helps distinguish it on X-rays and guides treatment, since reducibility and stabilization depend on this volar tilt.

Smith fracture is a distal radius fracture in which the distal fragment is displaced toward the palm, giving ventral (volar/palmar) angulation on imaging. This classic pattern results from a fall on a flexed wrist or a blow to the dorsal hand, producing a volar tilt of the distal fragment. It’s the mirror image of Colles fracture, which has dorsal angulation from an extended-wrist mechanism. Understanding the direction of displacement helps distinguish it on X-rays and guides treatment, since reducibility and stabilization depend on this volar tilt.