What is the Difference Between Colles Fracture and Smith Fracture?

The main difference between a Colles fracture and a Smith fracture lies in the direction of the bone displacement. Both fractures occur in the distal end of the radius, one of the two forearm bones, but they result in different bone fragment orientations:

Colles Fracture: This fracture occurs when the radius breaks and the broken end is displaced upward, towards the back of the hand. It is the most common type of distal radius fracture and typically results from falling on an outstretched hand with the wrist bent back.
Smith Fracture: Also known as a reverse Colles fracture, this fracture occurs when the broken end of the radius is displaced downward, towards the palm side of the wrist. It is less common than a Colles fracture and usually occurs due to falling on a flexed hand or experiencing another trauma while the wrist is bent or flexed.

Both fractures have similar symptoms, including pain, swelling, and tenderness in the surrounding tissue, and may result in an unnatural wrist position depending on the severity of the fracture. Diagnosis of both fractures is based on a medical evaluation and X-ray imaging.

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What is the Difference Between Colles Fracture and Smith Fracture?

Comparative Table: Colles Fracture vs Smith Fracture

Here is a table comparing Colles Fracture and Smith Fracture:

Feature	Colles Fracture	Smith Fracture
Definition	A Colles fracture is a distal radius fracture with dorsal displacement of the broken fragment, resulting in the bone fragment bending towards the back of the hand.	A Smith fracture, also known as a reverse Colles fracture, is a distal radius fracture with volar displacement of the broken fragment, resulting in the bone fragment bending towards the palm side of the wrist.
Causes	Colles fractures are typically caused by falling on an outstretched hand with the wrist bent back.	Smith fractures are often caused by falling on a flexed hand or from a hard hit.
Symptoms	Pain, swelling, visibly displaced fragment, and loss of movement.	Pain, swelling, visibly displaced fragment, and loss of movement.
Diagnosis	Diagnosis is based on a medical evaluation and X-ray examination.	Diagnosis is based on a medical evaluation and X-ray examination.
Incidence	Colles fractures are the most common type of distal radius fracture.	Smith fractures make up approximately 5% of all combined radial and ulnar fractures.
Classification	Colles fractures can be classified into three types based on the location and angle of the fracture.	Smith fractures can be classified into three types based on the location and angle of the fracture.

In summary, the main difference between a Colles fracture and a Smith fracture is the direction of displacement of the broken fragment of the radius bone. A Colles fracture results in dorsal displacement, while a Smith fracture results in volar displacement.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.