Smith fracture

This article is about the vertebral fracture. For the wrist fracture, see Smith's fracture.

A "Smith Fracture" is a named vertebral fracture occurring most commonly in the lumbar spine, is similar to that of a Chance fracture and is associated with seat-belt injuries. This fracture represents a fracture through the posterior elements including the superior articular processes but not the spinous process, as well as an avulsion fracture of the vertebral body.[1][2] This fracture is not to be confused with the more commonly referred to Smith's fracture of the wrist.

Notes

  1. ↑ Richard H. Daffner
  2. ↑ Chance-Type Fractures of the Thoracolumbar Spine: Imaging Analysis: Discussion

References

Smith NS, Kaufer H: Patterns and mechanisms of lumbar injuries associated with lapseat belts. J Bone Joint Surg (Am) 1969;51A:239.

Mark P. Bernstein, Stuart E. Mirvis, and K. Shanmuganathan. Chance-Type Fractures of the Thoracolumbar Spine: Imaging Analysis: Discussion