Reverse Barton fracture

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall on out streched hand.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

3 views of the right wrist are being obtained demonstrating an intra-articular fracture through the palmar aspect of the distal radius with dorsal subluxation of the radius and ulna with respect to the carpus (reversed Barton fracture). A further fracture is noted of the ulnar styloid. Degenerative change is seen involving the carpus, particularly at the base of the thumb.

Case Discussion

A reverse Barton fracture (also known as volar type Barton fracture) represents an intra-articular distal radial fracture with volar displacement. In fact, the reverse Barton fracture is a type II Smith fracture: intra-articular oblique distal radial fracture. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.