A 35-year-old woman falls on an outstretched hand. X-ray shows a Colles' fracture. The deformity that gives the characteristic 'dinner fork' appearance is:

• A Volar angulation, volar displacement, ulnar deviation
• B Dorsal angulation, volar displacement, radial deviation
• C Volar angulation with radial displacement and pronation
• D Dorsal angulation, dorsal displacement, radial deviation, and supination of the distal fragment ✓

Explanation

A Colles' fracture features dorsal angulation, dorsal displacement, radial deviation, and supination of the distal radial fragment — all creating the 'dinner fork' deformity when viewed laterally. The distal fragment is impacted and tilted dorsally. Smith's fracture (reverse Colles') presents with volar angulation and displacement. Understanding the 3D deformity guides closed reduction: traction, palmar flexion, and ulnar deviation correct all deforming forces.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.