Barton's fracture

This is a fracture-dislocation of the distal radius, sometimes mistaken for a Colles' fracture. The fracture line runs across the volar lip of the radius and into the wrist joint. The hand and the fragment of distal radius undergo a proximal and volar displacement.

There is no disruption of the radiocarpal ligaments, and the articular surface of the fractured distal radius remains in contact with the proximal carpal row. This preserved relationship between the radius and carpus is what distinguishes the Barton fracture from other types of distal radius fracture/dislocations.

A Barton's fracture is unstable and easily redisplaced. It should be fixed internally with a small buttress plate attached to the volar aspect of the radius.

Reference

1. Mauck BM, Swigler CW. Evidence-Based Review of Distal Radius Fractures. Orthop Clin North Am. 2018 Apr;49(2):211-222