What radiographic deformity name describes the dorsal displacement of the distal radius seen in Colles fractures?

• A. Dinner Fork Deformity
• B. Smith Fracture
• C. Galeazzi Fracture
• D. Monteggia Fracture

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a Colles fracture causes the distal fragment of the radius to tilt upward toward the back of the hand, giving a dinner fork appearance on the X-ray. This dorsal displacement of the distal radius produces the characteristic shape, with the radial fragment angulated dorsally and the ulnar tilt contributing to the fork-like contour on the lateral view.

This is distinct from other patterns: a Smith fracture shows the distal fragment displaced toward the palm (volar), a Galeazzi fracture is a distal radius fracture with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint, and a Monteggia fracture is a fracture of the proximal ulna with radial head dislocation.