Barton's fracture: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Barton's fracture | |||
| image = [[File:3D-rendered_CT_of_Barton's_fracture.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = 3D-rendered CT of Barton's fracture | |||
| field = [[Orthopedic surgery]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = [[Wrist pain]], [[swelling]], [[deformity]] | |||
| complications = [[Post-traumatic arthritis]], [[nerve injury]] | |||
| onset = Sudden, due to trauma | |||
| duration = Varies, depending on treatment | |||
| causes = [[Fall]] on an outstretched hand, [[direct trauma]] | |||
| risks = [[Osteoporosis]], [[high-impact sports]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[X-ray]], [[CT scan]] | |||
| differential = [[Colles' fracture]], [[Smith's fracture]] | |||
| prevention = [[Fall prevention]], [[protective gear]] | |||
| treatment = [[Closed reduction]], [[open reduction and internal fixation]] | |||
| medication = [[Pain management]], [[anti-inflammatory drugs]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with proper treatment | |||
| frequency = Relatively uncommon | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Radiograph of Barton's fracture.jpg|Radiograph of Barton's fracture|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Barton's fracture''' is a [[fracture]] of the distal radius bone in the forearm, specifically characterized by a fracture at the base of the distal radius with dislocation of the radiocarpal joint. This injury is named after the British surgeon, John Rhea Barton, who first described it in 1838. Barton's fractures are classified into two main types based on the direction of the dislocation: dorsal Barton's fracture, where the dislocation is towards the back of the hand, and volar Barton's fracture, with dislocation towards the palm. | '''Barton's fracture''' is a [[fracture]] of the distal radius bone in the forearm, specifically characterized by a fracture at the base of the distal radius with dislocation of the radiocarpal joint. This injury is named after the British surgeon, John Rhea Barton, who first described it in 1838. Barton's fractures are classified into two main types based on the direction of the dislocation: dorsal Barton's fracture, where the dislocation is towards the back of the hand, and volar Barton's fracture, with dislocation towards the palm. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Barton's fractures typically occur from a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury), with the wrist in extension or flexion, depending on the type of Barton's fracture. The force of the impact causes a shearing effect at the distal radius, leading to the fracture and subsequent dislocation. | Barton's fractures typically occur from a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury), with the wrist in extension or flexion, depending on the type of Barton's fracture. The force of the impact causes a shearing effect at the distal radius, leading to the fracture and subsequent dislocation. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Common symptoms of Barton's fracture include: | Common symptoms of Barton's fracture include: | ||
| Line 10: | Line 30: | ||
* Deformity of the wrist, indicating dislocation | * Deformity of the wrist, indicating dislocation | ||
* Limited range of motion in the affected wrist | * Limited range of motion in the affected wrist | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of Barton's fracture involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by imaging studies. [[X-ray]]s of the wrist are the primary diagnostic tool, often showing the fracture and any associated dislocation. In some cases, a [[Computed Tomography (CT) scan|CT scan]] may be necessary to assess the extent of the injury and plan for surgery. | Diagnosis of Barton's fracture involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by imaging studies. [[X-ray]]s of the wrist are the primary diagnostic tool, often showing the fracture and any associated dislocation. In some cases, a [[Computed Tomography (CT) scan|CT scan]] may be necessary to assess the extent of the injury and plan for surgery. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment of Barton's fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and dislocation. Options include: | Treatment of Barton's fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and dislocation. Options include: | ||
* '''Non-surgical treatment:''' For less severe fractures, treatment may involve immobilization of the wrist in a cast or splint for several weeks, followed by physical therapy to restore function. | * '''Non-surgical treatment:''' For less severe fractures, treatment may involve immobilization of the wrist in a cast or splint for several weeks, followed by physical therapy to restore function. | ||
* '''Surgical treatment:''' Severe fractures or those with significant dislocation may require surgery to realign the bones and fix them in place with pins, screws, or plates. Surgery is often followed by a period of immobilization and rehabilitation. | * '''Surgical treatment:''' Severe fractures or those with significant dislocation may require surgery to realign the bones and fix them in place with pins, screws, or plates. Surgery is often followed by a period of immobilization and rehabilitation. | ||
==Rehabilitation== | ==Rehabilitation== | ||
Rehabilitation is a crucial part of recovery from Barton's fracture, aiming to restore the range of motion, strength, and function of the wrist. Physical therapy exercises begin gradually and increase in intensity as the healing process progresses. | Rehabilitation is a crucial part of recovery from Barton's fracture, aiming to restore the range of motion, strength, and function of the wrist. Physical therapy exercises begin gradually and increase in intensity as the healing process progresses. | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
Possible complications of Barton's fracture include: | Possible complications of Barton's fracture include: | ||
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* Post-traumatic arthritis | * Post-traumatic arthritis | ||
* Nerve damage | * Nerve damage | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventing Barton's fractures involves minimizing the risk of falls and injuries to the wrist. This can include using protective gear during sports, improving balance and coordination through exercise, and ensuring safe environments to reduce the risk of falls. | Preventing Barton's fractures involves minimizing the risk of falls and injuries to the wrist. This can include using protective gear during sports, improving balance and coordination through exercise, and ensuring safe environments to reduce the risk of falls. | ||
[[Category:Orthopedic surgical procedures]] | [[Category:Orthopedic surgical procedures]] | ||
[[Category:Injuries]] | [[Category:Injuries]] | ||
{{Medicine-stub}} | {{Medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 23:07, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Barton's fracture | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Wrist pain, swelling, deformity |
| Complications | Post-traumatic arthritis, nerve injury |
| Onset | Sudden, due to trauma |
| Duration | Varies, depending on treatment |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Fall on an outstretched hand, direct trauma |
| Risks | Osteoporosis, high-impact sports |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, X-ray, CT scan |
| Differential diagnosis | Colles' fracture, Smith's fracture |
| Prevention | Fall prevention, protective gear |
| Treatment | Closed reduction, open reduction and internal fixation |
| Medication | Pain management, anti-inflammatory drugs |
| Prognosis | Generally good with proper treatment |
| Frequency | Relatively uncommon |
| Deaths | N/A |

Barton's fracture is a fracture of the distal radius bone in the forearm, specifically characterized by a fracture at the base of the distal radius with dislocation of the radiocarpal joint. This injury is named after the British surgeon, John Rhea Barton, who first described it in 1838. Barton's fractures are classified into two main types based on the direction of the dislocation: dorsal Barton's fracture, where the dislocation is towards the back of the hand, and volar Barton's fracture, with dislocation towards the palm.
Causes[edit]
Barton's fractures typically occur from a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury), with the wrist in extension or flexion, depending on the type of Barton's fracture. The force of the impact causes a shearing effect at the distal radius, leading to the fracture and subsequent dislocation.
Symptoms[edit]
Common symptoms of Barton's fracture include:
- Severe pain immediately after the injury
- Swelling and bruising around the wrist
- Deformity of the wrist, indicating dislocation
- Limited range of motion in the affected wrist
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of Barton's fracture involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by imaging studies. X-rays of the wrist are the primary diagnostic tool, often showing the fracture and any associated dislocation. In some cases, a CT scan may be necessary to assess the extent of the injury and plan for surgery.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of Barton's fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and dislocation. Options include:
- Non-surgical treatment: For less severe fractures, treatment may involve immobilization of the wrist in a cast or splint for several weeks, followed by physical therapy to restore function.
- Surgical treatment: Severe fractures or those with significant dislocation may require surgery to realign the bones and fix them in place with pins, screws, or plates. Surgery is often followed by a period of immobilization and rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation[edit]
Rehabilitation is a crucial part of recovery from Barton's fracture, aiming to restore the range of motion, strength, and function of the wrist. Physical therapy exercises begin gradually and increase in intensity as the healing process progresses.
Complications[edit]
Possible complications of Barton's fracture include:
- Chronic pain
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the wrist
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Nerve damage
Prevention[edit]
Preventing Barton's fractures involves minimizing the risk of falls and injuries to the wrist. This can include using protective gear during sports, improving balance and coordination through exercise, and ensuring safe environments to reduce the risk of falls.
