A Colles fracture is the result of a strong impact pushing the hand into the forearm. In this type of fracture the radius (large forearm bone) breaks near its end towards the wrist. This a particularly weak spot where the radius widens (Fig. 1).
When you have a distal radius fracture, you will experience pain and swelling in the forearm or wrist. If the fracture is severe enough you will also note a deformity in the shape of the wrist. You will also see bruising (black and blue discoloration) in the affected area and may experience some numbness in the fingers as well. See your doctor as soon as possible. The orthopedic doctor will take an X-ray in the office and tell you what is going on. If your doctor's office is closed go to the emergency room for treatment. Apply ice to the wrist and elevate it until you get to the doctor's office or the emergency room
What Can Be Done?.
What your doctor will do depends on many factors, such as the nature of your fracture, your age and activity level. If X-rays show the bone is not displaced (out of alignment) the doctor may leave the bone the way it is and apply a cast until the bone heals (Fig. 2). The cast is removed about six weeks after the fracture and at that point, physical therapy is started to help improve motion and function of your wrist.
If your orthopaedic surgeon feels that the position of the bone is not acceptable and casting will not correct the problem, he or she may recommend an operation. Again, depending on the nature of the fracture your doctor has
several options, including reducing the fracture in the operating room without making an incision, or by making an incision to align the bone with only a cast, or by inserting metal pins (Fig .3) , a plate and screws (Fig. 3a), an external fixation device (Fig. 3b), or any combination of these techniques.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3a
Fig. 3b
Fig. 1a
COLLES FRACTURE