Dinner-fork deformity is classically associated with which distal radius fracture?

Dinner-fork deformity is classically associated with which distal radius fracture?

• A. Smith fracture
• B. Galeazzi fracture
• C. Colles fracture
• D. Monteggia fracture

Answer: (C)

Dinner-fork deformity on radiographs occurs when the distal fragment of the radius tilts dorsally after a fall on an outstretched hand, creating the fork-like contour of the wrist. This dorsal angulation and slight shortening are the hallmark features of a Colles fracture, a distal radius fracture that’s especially common in older adults with osteoporosis. In contrast, a Smith fracture shows volar (palmar) displacement, Galeazzi involves a distal radius fracture with distal radioulnar joint disruption, and a Monteggia fracture combines a proximal ulna fracture with radial head dislocation. So the dinner-fork appearance specifically points to Colles fracture.

Dinner-fork deformity on radiographs occurs when the distal fragment of the radius tilts dorsally after a fall on an outstretched hand, creating the fork-like contour of the wrist. This dorsal angulation and slight shortening are the hallmark features of a Colles fracture, a distal radius fracture that’s especially common in older adults with osteoporosis. In contrast, a Smith fracture shows volar (palmar) displacement, Galeazzi involves a distal radius fracture with distal radioulnar joint disruption, and a Monteggia fracture combines a proximal ulna fracture with radial head dislocation. So the dinner-fork appearance specifically points to Colles fracture.