List of eponymous fractures

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Eponymous fractures refer to bone fractures that are named after the individuals who first described them or are most closely associated with their identification and treatment. These fractures are significant in the fields of orthopedics, medicine, and surgery, as they often have unique characteristics, treatment protocols, and prognoses. Understanding these fractures is crucial for medical professionals in diagnosing and managing patients with traumatic injuries. This article provides an overview of some of the most well-known eponymous fractures.

List of Eponymous Fractures[edit | edit source]

  • Colles' Fracture - A fracture of the distal radius in the forearm with dorsal (posterior) displacement of the wrist and hand. It is named after Abraham Colles, an Irish surgeon, who described it in 1814 without the benefit of x-rays.
  • Smith's Fracture - Also known as a reverse Colles' fracture, it is a fracture of the distal radius with volar (anterior) displacement. It was first described by Robert William Smith in his 1847 textbook on fractures.
  • Pott's Fracture - A bimalleolar ankle fracture involving fractures of the distal fibula and medial malleolus. Named after Percivall Pott, an English surgeon, who described it in the 18th century.
  • Jones Fracture - A fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the foot. It was first described by Sir Robert Jones in 1902, who sustained the fracture himself while dancing.
  • Monteggia Fracture - A fracture of the proximal third of the ulna with dislocation of the head of the radius. It was first described by Giovanni Battista Monteggia in 1814.
  • Galeazzi Fracture - A fracture of the distal third of the radius with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. It was described by Riccardo Galeazzi in 1934.
  • Barton's Fracture - An intra-articular fracture of the distal radius with dislocation of the radiocarpal joint. It was first described by John Rhea Barton in 1838.
  • Hangman's Fracture - A fracture of the pedicles of the axis (C2) vertebra. It is associated with hyperextension and distraction of the neck, historically seen in judicial hangings.
  • Jefferson Fracture - A burst fracture of the atlas (C1) vertebra. It was first described by Sir Geoffrey Jefferson in 1920.
  • Maisonneuve Fracture - A fracture of the proximal fibula associated with a tear of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and the interosseous membrane. It was described by Jules Germain François Maisonneuve in 1840.

See Also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD