Distal Radius Fractures

• The radius is the most commonly fracutred bone of the arm.
   
• The Colles fracture is a fracture of the distal radius that is angulated dorsally [The distal fragment is angulated towards the back of the hand.]
   
• The Smith fracture is similar but the distal fracture is angulated volarly [towards the palm of the hand]
   
• Other less commonly named fractures are the:
  • Barton's - an intraarticular fracture fo the distal radius with dislocation of the radiocarpal joint.  Typically occrus as a fall on the extended and pronated wrist.
     
  • Chauffeur's fracutre - a fracture of the radial styloid process.  Typically caused by compression of the scaphoid against the styloid.  Also known as a hutchinson fracture.