What type of fracture is characterized by dorsal displacement of the distal radius at the wrist?

• A. Smith's fracture
• B. Colles fracture
• C. Common peroneal fracture
• D. Intertrochanteric fracture

Answer: (B)

A fracture characterized by dorsal displacement of the distal radius at the wrist is known as a Colles fracture. This type of fracture typically occurs as a result of a fall onto an outstretched hand, leading to a break in the distal radius near the wrist. The dorsal angulation is a key feature of this injury, often giving the wrist a distinctive "dinner fork" shape when viewed from the side.

In contrast, a Smith's fracture involves palmar displacement of the distal fragment of the radius, which results in a different presentation of the wrist. The other options mentioned—common peroneal fractures and intertrochanteric fractures—pertain to the fibula and femur, respectively, and are unrelated to the specific wrist injury described in the question. Thus, the correct choice directly relates to the typical mechanism of injury and the characteristic alignment seen in Colles fractures.