Diagnosis of Colles Fracture

Diagnosis
History and physical examination Imaging studies

History
History of trauma is present. In elderly mechanism of injury is fall on the outstretched hand. Young people sustain this fracture in road traffic accidents, industrial accidents or fall from height. In displaced fractures pain and swelling, deformity is seen.

Physical Examination
Acute Stage (Severe Condition)
Swelling and ecchymosis around the distal radioulnar joint may be present Limited wrist flexion and/or extension active and passive mobility Limited forearm supination and/or pronation active and passive mobility Pain at mid range of limited motions Severe tenderness to palpation of the radiocarpal, ulnomensico-triquetral, distal radioulnar, and/or intercarpal joints

Physical Examination
Subacute Stage
Swelling and ecchymosis around the distal radioulnar joint may be present Limited wrist flexion and/or extension active and passive mobility Limited forearm supination and/or pronation active and passive mobility Pain at end range of limited motions Moderate tenderness to palpation of the radiocarpal, ulnomensico-triquetral, distal radioulnar, and/or intercarpal joints Hypomobile radiocarpal, ulnomensico-triquetral, distal radioulnar, and/or intercarpal accessory movement tests

Physical Examination
Settled Stage
Swelling and ecchymosis around the distal radioulnar joint may be present Mild pain at end range of with overpressure of wrist flexion and/or extension motions Mild pain at end range of with overpressure of forearm supination and/or pronation motions Mild tenderness to palpation of the radiocarpal, ulnomensico-triquetral, distal radioulnar, and/or intercarpal joints Hypomobile radiocarpal, ulnomensico-triquetral, distal radioulnar, and/or intercarpal accessory movement tests

Imaging Studies
Radial angulation of the wrist Dorsal displacement of the distal fragment Comminution at the fracture site Associated fracture of the ulnar styloid process in more than 60% of cases.