Fracture of the distal radius is called?

VSSC Nursing Officer - 2021

Applied Anatomy

Easy

Appeared in: VSSC Nursing Officer - 2021

Explanation

A Colles' fracture is defined as a fracture of the distal metaphysis of the radius.
It is characterized by dorsal (posterior) displacement of the distal fracture fragment.
The typical mechanism of injury is a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH), forcing the wrist into extension.
This fracture results in a classic "dinner fork" deformity, where the lateral profile of the wrist resembles the tines of a fork, as depicted in the provided image.

Option A: "Hume fracture" is not a standard medical term for a fracture of the distal radius. It may be a distractor referencing the humerus bone.
Option B: A Monteggia fracture involves the proximal (upper) part of the ulna, not the distal (lower) part of the radius. It is also associated with a dislocation of the radial head at the elbow.
Option C: A Galeazzi fracture involves a fracture of the shaft of the radius (more proximal than a Colles' fracture) combined with a dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) at the wrist.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification and classification of common forearm fractures as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A primary nursing responsibility for a patient with a suspected Colles' fracture is to conduct immediate and repeated neurovascular checks of the affected hand to rule out compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency.
Patient education is crucial, focusing on the importance of elevating the limb above the heart to minimize swelling and instructions on when to seek immediate medical attention (e.g., increased pain, numbness, tingling, or cold/pale fingers).
What if the patient had a fall on a flexed wrist instead of an outstretched hand? This would likely cause a Smith's fracture (or reverse Colles' fracture), where the distal fragment is displaced volarly (anteriorly), creating a "garden spade" deformity.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question stem: "fracture" and "distal radius". This narrows down the focus to the lower part of the forearm near the wrist.
Examine the provided image. Note the location of the fracture at the end of the radius and the characteristic upward curve, which is described as a "dinner fork" deformity.
Evaluate the options based on your anatomical knowledge. Recall the definitions of different named fractures.
Colles' fracture specifically refers to a fracture of the distal radius with dorsal displacement. This matches both the question and the visual evidence.
Eliminate the other options by recalling their definitions: Monteggia involves the ulna and proximal radius, and Galeazzi involves the radial shaft and distal radioulnar joint. Hume fracture is not a standard term.
Confirm the choice by linking the specific deformity (dinner fork) shown in the image to the correct fracture type (Colles').

Concept Tested & Keywords

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