Question

A 60-year-old female patient complains of pain and swelling in the left wrist following a fall on an outstretched hand. On examination, dinner fork deformity can be noticed. What is the most likely displacement seen in this patient?

• A. Proximal and ventral displacement of radius
• B. Proximal and dorsal displacement of radius
• C. Proximal and dorsal displacement of ulna
• D. Proximal and ventral displacement of ulna

Hint:

In cases of suspected Colles' fracture, the "dinner fork deformity" is a classic sign. Immediate radiographs are essential for confirming the diagnosis and determining the best treatment approach.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The patient's presentation of pain and swelling in the left wrist following a fall on an outstretched hand, accompanied by dinner fork deformity, is classic for a Colles' fracture. This type of fracture typically occurs in elderly patients with osteoporosis and results from a fall onto the outstretched hand.
Dinner fork deformity refers to the characteristic dorsal displacement and angulation of the fractured distal radius. This deformity results from the break in the distal radius, which moves proximally and dorsally, causing the wrist to appear as though it has the shape of a dinner fork.
Colles' fracture involves the distal radius and is usually associated with the following displacements:
Proximal and dorsal displacement of radius: This is the characteristic displacement seen in Colles' fracture.
Proximal and ventral displacement of radius: This is not typical for a Colles' fracture and would suggest a different injury mechanism.
Proximal and dorsal displacement of ulna: This is not a common presentation in wrist fractures; the ulna typically remains stable during a Colles' fracture.
Proximal and ventral displacement of ulna: Similarly, the ulna does not commonly move in this direction in this type of fracture. Thus, the most likely displacement in this patient is Proximal and dorsal displacement of the radius.