There exist two types of Barton's fracture - dorsal and palmar, the latter being more common.

Eponyms such as Colles', Smith's, and Barton's fractures are discouraged.

The Barton's fracture is caused by a fall on an extended and pronated wrist increasing carpal compression force on the dorsal rim.

Barton's fracture - an intra-articular fracture of the distal radius with dislocation of the radiocarpal joint.

John Rhea Barton (April 1794, Lancaster, Pennsylvania - 1 January 1871, Philadelphia) was an American orthopedic surgeon remembered for describing Barton's fracture.