It's called a Barton fracture because it's named after John Rhea Barton, the surgeon who first described it in 1838.
The Origin of the Term "Barton Fracture"
John Rhea Barton, an American surgeon, documented this specific type of wrist fracture, characterized by a fracture through the articular surface of the distal radius (the end of the radius bone at the wrist) with associated subluxation (partial dislocation) of the wrist. His detailed description in his publication "Views and Treatment of an Important Injury of the Wrist" led to the eponymous naming.
What is a Barton Fracture?
A Barton fracture involves:
- Fracture: A break in the distal radius bone.
- Intra-articular: The fracture line extends into the wrist joint.
- Subluxation/Dislocation: The carpus (wrist bones) partially or completely displaces from the radius.
This combination of features differentiates it from other wrist fractures, justifying its unique classification.
Types of Barton Fractures
Barton fractures can be further classified based on the direction of displacement:
- Dorsal Barton Fracture: The fractured fragment and the carpus displace towards the back of the hand.
- Volar Barton Fracture (Reverse Barton Fracture): The fractured fragment and the carpus displace towards the palm of the hand.
The differentiation is crucial for treatment planning.
Significance of the Name
Naming medical conditions after the physicians who first described them is a common practice in medicine (eponym). It serves to:
- Acknowledge the discoverer: Honor the person who first identified and characterized the condition.
- Provide a concise reference: Offer a shorthand way to refer to a specific injury pattern.
- Maintain historical context: Preserve the history of medical discovery.
