‘Dinner fork deformity’ is present in case of
**Core Concept**
The "dinner fork deformity" refers to a characteristic radiographic appearance of the distal radius and ulna in a specific condition. It is a type of fracture pattern that occurs due to a fall onto an outstretched hand.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The dinner fork deformity is typically seen in cases of Colles' fracture, where a fracture of the distal radius occurs with dorsal angulation of the distal fragment. This results in a characteristic radiographic appearance where the distal fragment of the radius appears to be angled in a way that resembles the tines of a dinner fork. The mechanism of injury involves a fall onto an outstretched hand, which causes a direct blow to the dorsal aspect of the wrist, leading to a fracture of the distal radius.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the dinner fork deformity is not typically seen in cases of Smith's fracture, which involves an volar angulation of the distal fragment of the radius.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the dinner fork deformity is not typically seen in cases of scaphoid fractures, which occur due to a different mechanism of injury.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the dinner fork deformity is not typically seen in cases of distal humerus fractures, which occur in a different region of the upper limb.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The dinner fork deformity is a classic radiographic sign of Colles' fracture, and it is essential to recognize this appearance to make an accurate diagnosis. This can be remembered using the mnemonic "COLLES," which stands for "C" characteristic radiographic appearance, "O" outstretched hand mechanism of injury, "L" location of the fracture (distal radius), "L" lateral displacement of the distal fragment, "E" elderly patient population, and "S" scaphoid shift.
**Correct Answer:** D.