38 - smith's fracture

Smith fracture

Robert Smith described the Smith fracture in 1847. An impact to the dorsum of the hand or a hyperflexion or hypersupination injury is thought to be the cause. A Smith fracture is usually called a reverse Colles fracture because the distal fragment is displaced volarly. It is often described as a garden-spade deformity. The ulnar head can be displaced dorsally .

Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views of the wrist involve a minimal examination. The criteria that are used to evaluate Colles fractures also apply to Smith fractures.

Table 4. Thomas Classification of Smith Fractures

Type	Description
I	Most stable, extra-articular, transverse distal radial fracture with palmar and proximal displacement
II	Barton type, palmar-lip fracture of the distal radius with dislocation of the carpus
III	Unstable, oblique, juxta-articular fracture of the distal radius and tilted palmar

The complications of Smith fractures are similar to those of Colles fractures.

smith's frx is also called as the reverse colles fracture .