Classification of Distal Radius Fractures (Smith Fractures)

According to the fracture line morphology, Thomas (1975) classified Smith fractures into three types:
Type I	The fracture line is transverse, extending from the dorsal to the palmar side, not involving the articular surface. The distal fragment, along with the carpal bones, is displaced towards the palmar side and angulated dorsally.
Type II	The fracture line is oblique, extending from the dorsal edge of the articular surface obliquely towards the proximal and palmar sides. The distal fragment, along with the carpal bones, is displaced towards the palmar and proximal sides.
Type III	Fracture of the palmar margin of the distal radius, with the fracture line extending obliquely to the articular surface. The distal fragment is triangular and displaced towards the palmar and proximal sides, resembling a dislocated wrist joint.
Type IV	The injury involves the articular surface, epiphysis, entire epiphyseal plate, and part of the metaphysis, i.e., intra-articular fracture with epiphyseal plate and metaphyseal fractures.
Type V	Epiphyseal plate injury. This type of injury is often caused by severe compressive force, leading to compression and severe damage to the cartilage cells of the epiphyseal plate, resulting in a compression fracture. Although rare, the consequences are severe, often leading to bone growth deformities. Due to the lack of displacement, X-ray diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, in cases of limb injuries in children or injuries near the epiphyseal plate with no obvious abnormalities on X-ray but persistent pain and swelling, the possibility of epiphyseal plate compression injury should be considered. Long-term follow-up is required, and the affected limb should not bear weight for 3 weeks to avoid further injury.