Smith fracture
A Smith fracture is a named vertebral fracture occurring most commonly in the lumbar spine. It 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] It is not to be confused with the more commonly referred to Smith's fracture of the wrist.
Notes
- ^ Richard H. Daffner
- 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