Partial articular, simple fracture of the radius, involving the dorsal rim (Barton’s)

These partial articular fractures involve the dorsal rim of the distal radius and allow dorsal subluxation of the carpus.

These are classified by AO/OTA as 2R3B2.1.

The fracture fragments are often small and very close to the dorsal rim (representing osseous avulsion of the dorsal extrinsic ligaments).

There may be an associated ulnar injury. This is usually a fracture of the ulnar styloid process, but other ulnar fractures are possible.