Eponymous Fractures

Question 1

Colles’ fracture (dinner fork deformity)

Answer 1

• FOOSH
• Classical Colles’ fractures have 3 features:
  
  • Transverse fracture of the radius
  • 1 inch proximal to the radio-carpal joint
  • Dorsal displacement and angulation

Question 2

Smith’s fracture (reverse Colles’ fracture)

Answer 2

• Volar angulation of distal radius fragment (Garden spade deformity)
• Caused by falling backwards onto the palm of an outstretched hand or falling with wrists flexed

Question 3

Bennett’s fracture

Answer 3

• Intra-articular fracture of the first carpometacarpal joint
• Impact on flexed metacarpal, caused by fist fights
• X-ray - triangular fragment at ulnar base of metacarpal

Question 4

Monteggia’s fracture

Answer 4

• Dislocation of the proximal radioulnar joint in association with an ulna fracture
• Fall on outstretched hand with forced pronation
• Needs prompt diagnosis to avoid disability

Question 5

Galeazzi fracture

Question 6

Pott’s fracture

Answer 6

• Bimalleolar ankle fracture
• Forced foot eversion

Question 7

Barton’s fracture

Answer 7

• Distal radius fracture (Colles’/Smith’s) with associated radiocarpal dislocation
• Fall onto extended and pronated wrist

Question 8

MonteggiA vs GaleazZi (remember MUgGeR)

Answer 8

• MU - Monteggia is ulnar fracture with dislocation of radial head
• GeR - Galeazzi is radius fracture with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint
• MonteggiA - ‘A’ is proximal bones affected proximally
• GaleazZi - ‘Z’ is distal bones affected distally