Smith's fracture

a.k.a. reverse Colles fracture

Fracture of the distal radius caused by falling onto flexed wrists, as opposed to a Colles' fracture which occurs as a result of falling onto wrists in extension. Smith's fractures are less common than Colles fractures.

The fracture fragments are displaced ventrally (volarly), as opposed to a Colles fracture which is displaced dorsally. Depending on the severity of the impact, there may be one or many fragments and it may or may not involve the articular surface of the wrist joint.