What radiographic deformity name describes the dorsal displacement of the distal radius seen in Colles fractures?

What radiographic deformity name describes the dorsal displacement of the distal radius seen in Colles fractures?

• A. Dinner Fork Deformity
• B. Smith Fracture
• C. Galeazzi Fracture
• D. Monteggia Fracture

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a Colles fracture causes the distal fragment of the radius to tilt upward toward the back of the hand, giving a dinner fork appearance on the X-ray. This dorsal displacement of the distal radius produces the characteristic shape, with the radial fragment angulated dorsally and the ulnar tilt contributing to the fork-like contour on the lateral view. This is distinct from other patterns: a Smith fracture shows the distal fragment displaced toward the palm (volar), a Galeazzi fracture is a distal radius fracture with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint, and a Monteggia fracture is a fracture of the proximal ulna with radial head dislocation.

The main idea is that a Colles fracture causes the distal fragment of the radius to tilt upward toward the back of the hand, giving a dinner fork appearance on the X-ray. This dorsal displacement of the distal radius produces the characteristic shape, with the radial fragment angulated dorsally and the ulnar tilt contributing to the fork-like contour on the lateral view.

This is distinct from other patterns: a Smith fracture shows the distal fragment displaced toward the palm (volar), a Galeazzi fracture is a distal radius fracture with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint, and a Monteggia fracture is a fracture of the proximal ulna with radial head dislocation.