Barton's fracture

BARTON'S FRACTURE is a complex and common combined fracture of the radius in a typical location, occurring predominantly in young males after a low- or high-energy direct blow to the hand. Key symptoms of a fracture include poor blood supply (pallor) and swelling of the wrist when the damaged radial head is displaced. Possible wrist fractures include an open/closed base fracture of the distal radius without displacement (Klippel's fracture), a single-piece fractured superficial fracture (Barton's third), and combined fractures (4 with fixation).

Fractures often occur when someone falls on their hand or presses their hand against a hard surface. In addition, fractures can occur from a strong direct punch to the back of the forearm or hand during a fight. Treatment consists of immobilizing the arm with an anterior fracture splint and/or a plaster cast until the person has a good range of motion. If the open wound is large, surgery may be needed to clean the wound.