Hutchinson Fracture

Other Known Aliases – Chauffeur fracture, backfire fracture

Definition – intra-articular fracture of the radial styloid

Clinical Significance – This injury most commonly occurs from either direct trauma to the dorsum of the hand or from FOOSH with forced dorsiflexion and abduction

History – Named after Jonathan Hutchinson (1828-1913), who was an English physician and surgeon and received his medical doctorate from St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London in 1850.  He enjoyed a prolific career practicing in ophthalmology and pathology, while also serving as president for numerous medical societies.  Dr. Hutchinson also produced more than 1200 medical articles and study extensively on infectious diseases.  In 1908, he was knighted by Edward VII for his contributions to medicine.  The colloquial term of chauffeur fracture comes from the fact that when the chauffeur would hand crank the car and the car backfired, the handle would shoot back and impact the palm of the hand.

References

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2. Bartolucci S, Forbis P.  Stedman’s Medical Eponyms.  2nd ed.  Baltimore, MD; LWW.  2005.
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4. Whonamedit – dictionary of medical eponyms. http://www.whonamedit.com
5. Up To Date. www.uptodate.com
6. Radiopaedia.  Chauffeur Fracture. https://radiopaedia.org/articles/chauffeur-fracture
7. WALES AE. Sir Jonathan HUTCHINSON, 1828-1913. The British journal of venereal diseases. 1963; 39:67-86. [pubmed]