Colles' Fracture
(Fracture, Distal Radius; Distal Radius Fracture; Transverse Wrist Fracture; Dinner-Fork Deformity of the Wrist)
Pronounced: Fracture Dis-tull Ray-d-us
Definition
A colle's fracture is a break in the distal part of the radius bone. The radius is one the bones of the forearm. The distal end is of the bone is considered part of the wrist. Distal radius fractures are categorized by type:
- Open fracture—a broken bone that breaks through the skin
- Comminuted fracture—a bone that breaks into more than two pieces
- Intra-articular fracture—a broken bone within a joint
- Extra-articular fracture—a broken bone that does not involve the joint
Intra-articular Colle's Fracture
Causes
The most common cause of a distal radius fracture is a fall on an outstretched hand but it can also be caused by:
-
Direct blow to wrist by:
- Car accident
- Falling off a bike
- Skiing fall
- Other trauma
Risk Factors
These factors increase your chance of breaking your radius bone. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
- Osteoporosis
- Poor nutrition
-
Conditions that increase risk of falling:
- Snow
- Ice
- Loss of agility or muscle strength
- If you are elderly
- Advancing age
- Postmenopause
- Decreased muscle mass
Symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to a distal radius fracture. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
- Arm or wrist pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Severe pain with movement
- Trouble moving wrist or arm
- Wrist appears out of line
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a specialist. An orthopedist focuses on bones.
Your doctor will order the following test:
- X-ray —test that uses radiation to form an image; used to look at broken bones in the wrist or arm
Treatment
It takes 6-10 weeks for a fracture of the radius at the wrist to heal. The type of treatment you receive depends upon where you broke your bone and how serious the break is.
Some fractures require what is called a reduction. This means the doctor realigns the bones before healing begins. Reductions can be done by the doctor moving your arm into position or through surgery.
Your doctor may choose to treat the fracture using a cast. Your cast may be removed after a few weeks and replaced if it loosens. Most casts are removed at about six weeks.
In other cases, a splint or a soft bandage may be used instead of a cast. Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you.
Medications
Your doctor may recommend that you take:
- Acetaminophen —to reduce pain
- Ibuprofen —to reduce pain and swelling
Surgery
A distal radius fracture sometimes requires surgery. The surgeon first realigns the bones (a reduction). Then may use any of the following to hold the bones together as they heal:
- A plate and screws
- Pins
- An external device that holds the inside pins together
Physical Therapy
You will probably work with a physical therapist. They can help you regain range of motion and strength.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe a pain medicine or suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
American Physical Therapy Association
http://www.apta.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
References:
Calvagna M. Wrist fracture. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisMarket.php?marketID=14</. Accessed November 17, 2008.
Distal radius fracture. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00412. Accessed November 17, 2008.
Distal radius fracture. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Accessed November 17, 2008.
Taking care of your hand, wrist and elbow. American Physical Therapy Association website. Available at: http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=20403&TEMPLATE=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm. Accessed November 17, 2008.
Wrist fractures. Merck Manual website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual_ha/sec3/ch23/ch23e.html. Accessed November 17, 2008.
5/6/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Kropman RH, Bemelman M, Segers MJ, Hammacher ER. Treatment of impacted greenstick forearm fractures in children using bandage or cast therapy: a prospective randomized trial. J Trauma. 2010;68(2):425-428.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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