Colles Fracture

Definition
A Colles' fracture is a fracture of the distal radius in
the forearm with dorsal (posterior) and radial
displacement of the wrist and hand.
The fracture is sometimes referred to as a "dinner
fork" or "bayonet" deformity due to the shape of the
resultant forearm.
Colles' fractures are often seen in elder people with
osteoporosis.
The fracture is most commonly caused by people
falling onto a hard surface and breaking their fall with
outstretched arms - falling with wrists flexed would
lead to a Smith's fracture.
Clinical features
The patient will complain of pain at the wrist.
Tenderness
Classically a ‘dinner fork’ deformity is seen.
 Marked swelling with associated bruising common.
 Beware associated vascular or median nerve injury.
The classic Colles fracture has the following
characteristics

 Transverse fracture of the radius

 2.5 cm (0.98 inches) proximal to the radio-carpal joint
 dorsal displacement and dorsal angulation, together
with radial tilt
Radiological features
AP and lateral views essential.
The five commonly seen deformities are:
1. Dorsal angulation with loss of the normal (5–10 degrees)
volar tilt(A line drawn between the distal ends of the
articular surface of the radius) of the articular surface of the
radius.
2. Dorsal displacement of the distal fracture fragment.
3. Impaction at the fracture site. (a fracture in which bone
fragments have been driven into each other)
4. Radial displacement of the distal fragment.
5. Radial tilt of the distal fragment.
Treatment

Close manipulation ( a common non-invasive

method of treating mildly displaced fractures)
Undergoes general anesthesia
Plaster is applied for 6 weeks
Analgesics and Antibiotics are given