A fracture of the distal end of the radius may be accompanied by a fracture of a small fragment of the ulna styloid process.
A fracture of the lower end of the radius with displacement of the wrist backwards, usually when someone has stretched out a hand to try to break a fall [After Abraham Colles (1773-1843), Irish surgeon].
A transverse break in the two bones of the forearm, called the radius and ulna. A Colles fracture is generally caused when a person’s outstretched hand bears the brunt of the body’s full weight in a forward fall. This kind of fracture may be treated with a cast for 5 to 8 weeks to immobilize the bones and allow repair. Surgery involving internal fixation appliances is sometimes indicated for severe fractures. If the ligaments are injured, chronic pain may result. Later complications of Colles fracture include carpal tunnel syndrome.
Fracture of the wrist, across the lower end of the radius, usually caused by a fall on the outstretched hand. The hand and wrist below the fracture are displaced backward. The bone is restored to its normal position under anesthesia, and a plaster slab is applied. The fracture usually unites within six weeks. Malunion is a common complication, resulting in deformity.
Colles’ fracture is a fracture of the lower end of the radius close to the wrist, caused usually by a fall forwards on the palm of the hand, in which the lower fragment is displaced backwards.
A fracture in the radius, one of the forearm bones, occurring just above the wrist, where the wrist and hand are pushed backward, leading to limited mobility, swelling, and intense pain. This type of fracture typically transpires when an individual instinctively extends their hand to reduce the impact of a fall. It is more prevalent among older adults, primarily due to age-related bone weakening or osteoporosis.
The fractured bones are carefully realigned and immobilized with a cast. It typically takes around six weeks for the bones to heal. Hand and wrist function generally restore to normal, although there may be slight wrist deformity.
A break in the wrist bone that results in a shape resembling a dinner fork is known as a specific type of fracture. If the bone is deformed in the opposite direction, it is referred to as a Smith’s fracture.