![]() Diagnosis of Smith and Colles Fracturesįor Smith fractures, the pain is not very severe, and you still have a functioning wrist. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the wrist might be in an unnatural position. ![]() You will experience immediate pain, bruising, and swelling in the area and tenderness in the surrounding tissue. ![]() Symptoms of Smith and Colles Fracturesīoth fractures have similar symptoms. For older adults, the fracture occurs due to falling when their bones are brittle. The fracture is common among those between the ages of 18 and 25. It’s the most common fracture, and it generally occurs when you fall over an outstretched arm. The broken bone in the fracture usually points upward. When the bone breaks 1 inch from the wrist, it’s called a distal radius break. Smith fractures are rare and are most often seen in elderly women or young men.Ī Colles fracture is a broken wrist. Smith fractures do not extend to the wrist, hence they are extra-articular. A Smith fracture is also associated with palmar angulation of the distal fragment. This is the larger radius in the two bones in the arm. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division, 2004, 977 pages, $45.00 (softcover)". ^ a b c Schroeder JD, Varacallo M (2019).Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. "Adult distal radius fractures classification systems: essential clinical knowledge or abstract memory testing?". ^ Shehovych A, Salar O, Meyer C, Ford DJ (November 2016)."Smith's fracture generally occurs after falling on the palm of the hand". ^ Stead LG, Stead SM, Kaufman MS (2006).Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary (18th ed.). This fracture is named after the orthopedic surgeon, Robert William Smith (1807–1873) in his book A Treatise on Fractures in the Vicinity of Joints, and on certain forms of Accidents and Congenital Dislocations published in 1847. In the case of a Smith's fracture, the wrist must be reduced and splinted in extension. įor a closed reduction, the approach is the opposite of reductions completed for Colle's fractures. Indications for operative management include dorsal or volar comminution, intra-articular involvement, instability post-reduction, angulation greater than 20 degrees, surface step-off over 2mm or shortening of the radius greater than 5mm. An open fracture will always require surgical intervention. Significant angulation and deformity may require an open reduction and internal fixation. A fracture with mild angulation and displacement may require closed reduction (putting into place without surgery). An undisplaced fracture may be treated with a cast alone. ![]() Treatment of this fracture depends on the severity of the fracture. Lateral radiography will demonstrate volar angulation / displacement of the fracture. PA radiography will look very similar to a Colles' fracture, with a fracture along the distal metaphysis of the radius (can be shortened or comminuted). Two views should be obtained: AP and lateral. Diagnosis Physical examination Ĭlassic physical examination findings of a Smith's fracture is palmar displacement of the wrist that results in a "garden-spade deformity". Ĭomplex regional pain syndrome can be reported in up to 40% of fractures. ![]() Įntrapment of the extensor pollicis longus can also occur in cases of non-union, and can result in late rupture of this tendon. There are also higher risks of carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis in patients with a previous Smith fractures. This can result in a permanent "garden-spade deformity". The biggest concern is malunion of the wrist due to poor reduction or shortening of the distal radius. Type VIII: Type VII with fracture of distal ulna.Type VII: Radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joint both involved.Type VI: Type V with fracture of distal ulna.Type V: Distal radioulnar joint involved.Type IV: Type III with fracture of distal ulna.Type III: Radiocarpal joint involvement.Type II: Type I, with fracture of distal ulna.Depending on the severity of the impact, there may be one or many fragments and it may or may not involve the articular surface of the wrist joint.Ī commonly used classification of distal radial fractures is the Frykman Classification: The distal fracture fragment is displaced volarly ( ventrally), as opposed to a Colles' fracture which the fragment is displaced dorsally. Smith's fractures are less common than Colles' fractures. Īlthough it can also be caused by a direct blow to the dorsal forearm or by a fall with the wrist flexed, the most common mechanism of injury for Smith's fracture occurs in a palmar fall with the wrist joint slightly dorsiflexed. Reverse Colles' fracture, Goyrand-Smith'sĪ Smith's fracture, is a fracture of the distal radius. ![]()
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