Smith's fracture: Difference between revisions
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'''Smith's fracture''', also known as a | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
== | | name = Smith's fracture | ||
Smith's | | image = [[File:Smith2019Frac.jpg|left|thumb|Smith's fracture]] | ||
| caption = X-ray of a Smith's fracture | |||
| synonyms = Reverse Colles' fracture | |||
| specialty = [[Orthopedic surgery]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Wrist pain]], [[swelling]], [[deformity]] | |||
| complications = [[Median nerve]] injury, [[compartment syndrome]] | |||
| onset = Sudden, due to trauma | |||
| duration = Varies, depending on treatment | |||
| types = Type I, Type II, Type III | |||
| causes = Fall onto a flexed wrist, direct blow to the back of the wrist | |||
| risks = [[Osteoporosis]], high-impact sports | |||
| diagnosis = [[X-ray]] | |||
| differential = [[Colles' fracture]], [[Barton fracture]] | |||
| prevention = Use of protective gear, fall prevention strategies | |||
| treatment = [[Closed reduction]], [[cast]] immobilization, [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Pain management]] with [[NSAIDs]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with proper treatment | |||
| frequency = Less common than [[Colles' fracture]] | |||
==Diagnosis== | }} | ||
Diagnosis of a Smith's fracture typically | A '''Smith's fracture''', also known as a reverse Colles' fracture, is a fracture of the distal radius with volar (palmar) displacement of the fracture fragment. It is named after the Irish surgeon [[Robert William Smith]], who first described it in 1847. This type of fracture is less common than the [[Colles' fracture]], which involves dorsal displacement. | ||
== Anatomy == | |||
The [[radius (bone)|radius]] is one of the two large bones of the forearm, the other being the [[ulna]]. The distal end of the radius is the part closest to the wrist. In a Smith's fracture, the fracture occurs at the distal end of the radius, and the broken fragment is displaced towards the palm of the hand. | |||
== Mechanism of Injury == | |||
==Treatment== | Smith's fractures typically occur as a result of a fall onto a flexed wrist or a direct blow to the back of the wrist. This contrasts with a Colles' fracture, which usually results from a fall onto an extended wrist. | ||
Treatment | == Clinical Presentation == | ||
Patients with a Smith's fracture often present with pain, swelling, and deformity of the wrist. The wrist may appear to be bent forward, and there may be tenderness over the distal radius. | |||
== Diagnosis == | |||
Diagnosis of a Smith's fracture is typically confirmed with [[X-ray|radiographic]] imaging. The X-ray will show a fracture of the distal radius with volar displacement of the distal fragment. | |||
==Complications== | == Treatment == | ||
Complications | Treatment of a Smith's fracture depends on the severity and displacement of the fracture. Non-displaced fractures may be treated with immobilization in a cast. Displaced fractures often require reduction and may need surgical intervention, such as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). | ||
== Complications == | |||
Complications of Smith's fractures can include [[malunion]], [[nonunion]], and [[post-traumatic arthritis]]. There is also a risk of injury to the [[median nerve]], which can lead to [[carpal tunnel syndrome]]. | |||
== Prognosis == | |||
The prognosis for a Smith's fracture is generally good with appropriate treatment. However, recovery may take several weeks to months, and physical therapy may be necessary to restore full function. | |||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
==See | |||
* [[Colles' fracture]] | * [[Colles' fracture]] | ||
* [[Distal radius fracture]] | * [[Distal radius fracture]] | ||
* [[Wrist | * [[Wrist joint]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Orthopedic surgery]] | ||
[[Category:Orthopedic injuries]] | |||
[[Category:Orthopedic | [[Category:Fractures]] | ||
[[Category: | |||
Latest revision as of 20:51, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
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| Smith's fracture | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Reverse Colles' fracture |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Orthopedic surgery |
| Symptoms | Wrist pain, swelling, deformity |
| Complications | Median nerve injury, compartment syndrome |
| Onset | Sudden, due to trauma |
| Duration | Varies, depending on treatment |
| Types | Type I, Type II, Type III |
| Causes | Fall onto a flexed wrist, direct blow to the back of the wrist |
| Risks | Osteoporosis, high-impact sports |
| Diagnosis | X-ray |
| Differential diagnosis | Colles' fracture, Barton fracture |
| Prevention | Use of protective gear, fall prevention strategies |
| Treatment | Closed reduction, cast immobilization, surgery |
| Medication | Pain management with NSAIDs |
| Prognosis | Generally good with proper treatment |
| Frequency | Less common than Colles' fracture |
| Deaths | N/A |
A Smith's fracture, also known as a reverse Colles' fracture, is a fracture of the distal radius with volar (palmar) displacement of the fracture fragment. It is named after the Irish surgeon Robert William Smith, who first described it in 1847. This type of fracture is less common than the Colles' fracture, which involves dorsal displacement.
Anatomy[edit]
The radius is one of the two large bones of the forearm, the other being the ulna. The distal end of the radius is the part closest to the wrist. In a Smith's fracture, the fracture occurs at the distal end of the radius, and the broken fragment is displaced towards the palm of the hand.
Mechanism of Injury[edit]
Smith's fractures typically occur as a result of a fall onto a flexed wrist or a direct blow to the back of the wrist. This contrasts with a Colles' fracture, which usually results from a fall onto an extended wrist.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients with a Smith's fracture often present with pain, swelling, and deformity of the wrist. The wrist may appear to be bent forward, and there may be tenderness over the distal radius.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of a Smith's fracture is typically confirmed with radiographic imaging. The X-ray will show a fracture of the distal radius with volar displacement of the distal fragment.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of a Smith's fracture depends on the severity and displacement of the fracture. Non-displaced fractures may be treated with immobilization in a cast. Displaced fractures often require reduction and may need surgical intervention, such as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).
Complications[edit]
Complications of Smith's fractures can include malunion, nonunion, and post-traumatic arthritis. There is also a risk of injury to the median nerve, which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for a Smith's fracture is generally good with appropriate treatment. However, recovery may take several weeks to months, and physical therapy may be necessary to restore full function.
