Colles Fracture

A Colles’ fracture is a fracture involving the distal radial bone (radius) which is situated at the end of the forearm near the wrist joint. The injury normally involves a forwards (dorsal) displacement of the bone and is sometimes known as a ‘dinner-fork’ injury due to the deformity of the forearm that may take place. The injury may or may not involve a fracture to the ulna bone.

Causes: The injury is commonly associated with falling onto the outstretched hand. The injury is common amongst children and the elderly due to reduced bone density and tensile strength within the bone tissue. Those with osteoporosis or any other underlying bone weakness may also be prone to the injury following a fall or direct trauma to the forearm and wrist.

Symptoms & Diagnosis: Following the trauma, acute pain is reported in the region of the fracture with a possible deformity of the lower forearm as mentioned above. An X-ray will confirm the extent of any fracture.

Management: The management of the problem depends upon the type and severity of the fracture. Early immobilisation for a period of time is recommended to stabilise the fracture to allow adequate healing and enable a full recovery. If the fracture involves the joint surface, advanced arthritis may develop in the region later on in life. Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery may be required to fixate the broken bone to allow healing and prevent a permanent deformity and loss of movement. Significant angulation and deformity may require an operation known as ‘open-reduction internal or external fixation’. Once adequate healing has been achieved, a graded physiotherapy and rehabilitation programme will assist the return to full function and sport.

Please feel free to contact the Manchester G4 Clinic to speak to a member of the team for any questions that you may have.