The radius is the most commonly fracutred bone of the arm.
The Colles fracture is a fracture of the distal radius that is angulated dorsally [The distal fragment is angulated towards the back of the hand.]
The Smith fracture is similar but the distal fracture is angulated volarly [towards the palm of the hand]
Other less commonly named fractures are the:
Barton's - an intraarticular fracture fo the distal radius with dislocation of the radiocarpal joint. Typically occrus as a fall on the extended and pronated wrist.
Chauffeur's fracutre - a fracture of the radial styloid process. Typically caused by compression of the scaphoid against the styloid. Also known as a hutchinson fracture.
