What type of fracture involves a break of the distal end of the radius?

A fracture involving a break of the distal end of the radius is known as a Colles fracture. This type of fracture typically occurs with a fall onto an outstretched hand, where the force causes the wrist to extend and results in a fracture near the wrist joint. The distinguishing characteristic of a Colles fracture is that the distal fragment of the radius is tilted or displaced posteriorly, often leading to a "dinner fork" appearance of the wrist.

Colles fractures are commonly encountered in older adults, particularly those with osteoporosis, as they may be more prone to falls. Understanding this specific type of fracture is important for medical assistants as they often assist in patient management and care, including the handling and documentation of fracture cases.