Smith fracture describes a distal radius fracture with what displacement?

Smith fracture describes a distal radius fracture with what displacement?

• A. Dorsal (posterior) displacement
• B. Volar (palmar) displacement
• C. Radial deviation
• D. Ulnar deviation

Answer: (B)

The main idea is the direction of the distal fragment after a distal radius fracture. In a Smith fracture, the distal fragment shifts toward the palm, i.e., volar (palmar) displacement. This pattern occurs because the injury often happens with the wrist flexed, or from a direct blow to the back of the hand, which drives the distal fragment volarly. That’s why this fracture is described as having volar displacement. This is different from the classic Colles fracture, where the distal fragment moves dorsally (posteriorly) due to an extended-wrist mechanism. Deviations described as radial or ulnar pertain to sideways angulation and aren’t the defining displacement for a Smith fracture.

The main idea is the direction of the distal fragment after a distal radius fracture. In a Smith fracture, the distal fragment shifts toward the palm, i.e., volar (palmar) displacement. This pattern occurs because the injury often happens with the wrist flexed, or from a direct blow to the back of the hand, which drives the distal fragment volarly. That’s why this fracture is described as having volar displacement.

This is different from the classic Colles fracture, where the distal fragment moves dorsally (posteriorly) due to an extended-wrist mechanism. Deviations described as radial or ulnar pertain to sideways angulation and aren’t the defining displacement for a Smith fracture.