Smith's fracture involves fracture of the distal radius with what displacement?

• A. Dorsal displacement
• B. Volar (palmar) displacement
• C. Radial deviation
• D. Ulnar deviation

Answer: (C)

Smith's fracture is a distal radius fracture where the distal fragment shifts toward the palmar (volar) side. This volar displacement makes the injury the opposite of a Colles fracture, in which the distal fragment tilts dorsally. The typical mechanism is a fall on a flexed wrist, driving the fragment palmarly and producing a reverse Colles deformity. Therefore, volar (palmar) displacement is the defining displacement, not dorsal, radial deviation, or ulnar deviation.