Which fracture involves volar displacement of the distal radius?

Which fracture involves volar displacement of the distal radius?

• A. Colles fracture
• B. Smith's fracture
• C. Transverse fracture
• D. Oblique fracture

Answer: (B)

The fracture that involves volar displacement of the distal radius is characterized as a Smith's fracture. This type of fracture typically occurs when a person falls on the flexed wrist or directly on the palm, resulting in the distal end of the radius being displaced palmarly. The key feature of a Smith's fracture is this anterior or volar angulation of the distal segment of the radius, which distinguishes it from other types of fractures. In contrast, a Colles fracture, which is another common distal radius fracture, involves dorsal displacement of the distal fragment, not volar. The transverse and oblique fractures are classifications based on the fracture line's orientation rather than the direction of displacement, so they do not inherently indicate a specific direction of angulation related to the distal radius. Therefore, the Smith's fracture is recognized for its volar displacement, making it the correct answer in this context.

The fracture that involves volar displacement of the distal radius is characterized as a Smith's fracture. This type of fracture typically occurs when a person falls on the flexed wrist or directly on the palm, resulting in the distal end of the radius being displaced palmarly. The key feature of a Smith's fracture is this anterior or volar angulation of the distal segment of the radius, which distinguishes it from other types of fractures.

In contrast, a Colles fracture, which is another common distal radius fracture, involves dorsal displacement of the distal fragment, not volar. The transverse and oblique fractures are classifications based on the fracture line's orientation rather than the direction of displacement, so they do not inherently indicate a specific direction of angulation related to the distal radius. Therefore, the Smith's fracture is recognized for its volar displacement, making it the correct answer in this context.