What type of fracture occurs at the distal end of the radius?

The Colles fracture specifically refers to a fracture that occurs at the distal end of the radius, typically in the wrist area. This type of fracture is most often associated with falls onto an outstretched hand, causing the distal fragment of the radius to be displaced posteriorly. It is characterized by a dorsal angulation of the distal fragment and can result in a recognizable "dinner fork" deformity of the wrist. Recognizing this specific type of fracture is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as the management may differ from other fracture types.

In contrast, while a comminuted fracture refers to a break that results in multiple fragments, an impacted fracture involves one fragment being driven into another, and a hairline fracture is a very fine crack in the bone that usually doesn't fully separate. None of these terms specifically describe the location and characteristics associated with a fracture at the distal end of the radius, making Colles the correct term for this particular injury.