Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

A fracture at the distal radius is commonly associated with a Colles' fracture, which is characterized by a specific pattern where the distal fragment of the radius is tilted upward, often resulting from a fall onto an outstretched hand. This type of fracture is prevalent in older adults and is typically noted for its characteristic 'dinner fork' deformity due to the dorsal angulation and sometimes dorsal displacement of the distal fragment.

While a Smith's fracture (which presents with volar angulation of the distal radius) can also occur at the distal end, it is less common compared to Colles' fracture. Additionally, the Jones fracture primarily involves the fifth metatarsal and has no relevance to the distal radius, while a scaphoid fracture involves a different carpal bone and is unrelated to the fractures of the radius itself.

Understanding the various types of fractures that can occur in the forearm and wrist area is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, supporting the importance of identifying the Colles' fracture as the most typical result of a distal radius fracture.