Before studying distal radius fracture, it is necessary to know what’s difference between extra articular fracture and intra articular fracture?

Extra articular fracture v/s intra articular fracture : 

1. Extra articular fracture –

Articular surface (Joint) not involve (see blue line on radius bone)

eg. Colle’s fracture and smith fracture.

2. Intra articular fracture –

Articular surface (Joint) involve (See black line on radius bone)

eg. Barton’s fracture and Chauffeur fracture.

Distal Radius Fracture :

1. Colle’s fracture – 

a. Extra articular fracture

b. Fracture at cortico cancellus junction of radius bone.

c. Broken part the radius bone displaces dorsally (Wrist Extension)

2. Smith fracture – 

a. Extra articular fracture

b. Fracture at cortico cancellus junction of radius bone.

c. Broken part the radius bone displaces ventrally (Wrist flexion)

3. Barton’s fracture –

It is the intra articular fracture of distal radius bone.

4. Chauffeur’s fracture – 

a. Intra articular fracture

b. Fracture of radius styloid process.