Fracture of the distal end of the radius with outward displacement of the radius is called what?

• A. Comminuted fracture
• B. Collas fracture
• C. Doheny fracture
• D. Fatigue fracture or stress fracture

Answer: (B)

Distal radius fractures with dorsal (posterior) displacement of the distal fragment are classically called Colles fractures. This pattern typically results from falling on an outstretched hand, causing the distal radius to tilt backward and often shorten, producing the characteristic dinner fork deformity. The term is named after Abraham Colles, and in exams you’ll see it spelled Colles (though some variants spell it colloquially as Collas). The other options describe different fracture types that don’t specify this dorsal displacement of the distal radius: a comminuted fracture refers to many pieces, a fatigue (stress) fracture is due to repetitive stress, and Doheny fracture is not a standard term for this presentation. Therefore, the term that best matches the description is Colles fracture.