Nissen-Lie classification is a system of categorizing

Colles' fracture A Colles' fracture is a type of fracture of the distal forearm in which the broken end of the radius is bent backwards. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, deformity, and bruising. Complications may include damage to the median nerve. It typi ...

s. In the Nissen-Lie classification system there are seven types of

fractures Fracture is the separation of an object or material into two or more pieces under the action of stress. The fracture of a solid usually occurs due to the development of certain displacement discontinuity surfaces within the solid. If a displa ...

. The classification system was first published in 1939.

Classification

* Type 1: A fracture at the junction of the shaft and distal extremity of the radius (occurs only in children between the age of 1 and 15 years, and is most commonly a

greenstick fracture A greenstick fracture is a fracture in a young, soft bone in which the bone bends and breaks. Greenstick fractures occur most often during infancy and childhood when bones are soft. The name is by analogy with green (i.e., fresh) wood which simil ...

) * Type 2: Slipping of the

epiphysis The epiphysis () is the rounded end of a long bone, at its joint with adjacent bone(s). Between the epiphysis and diaphysis (the long midsection of the long bone) lies the metaphysis, including the epiphyseal plate (growth plate). At the join ...

with dorsal displacement, often with a dorsally avulsed triangular fragment of the radius (occurs in the age range 10-20 years) * Type 3: Minimal displacement * Type 4: Dorsal angulation, extra-articular, no comminution * Type 5: Intra-articular, comminuted * Type 6: Fractures of the radial styloid * Type 7: Fractures with dorsal displacement

Classification

See also