Distal radius fractures are quite common, with Colles' and Smith's fractures being well-known. Barton fractures are a less well-known type of distal radius fracture, with associated radiocarpal dislocation. Although the distal radius can be displaced in the dorsal (as in a Colles' fracture) or volar (as in a Smith's fracture) directions, volar displacement is more common. It is an intra-articular unstable fracture.What differentiates Barton's fracture from the more common Smith's and Colles' fractures is that there is carpal displacement.
Distal radius fractures are quite common, with Colles' and Smith's fractures being well-known. Barton fractures are a less well-known type of distal radius fracture, with associated radiocarpal dislocation. Although the distal radius can be displaced in the dorsal (as in a Colles' fracture) or volar (as in a Smith's fracture) directions, volar displacement is more common. It is an intra-articular unstable fracture. What differentiates Barton's fracture from the more common Smith's and Colles' fractures is that there is carpal displacement.