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Colles Fracture

(Fracture, Distal Radius; Distal Radius Fracture; Transverse Wrist Fracture; Dinner-Fork Deformity of the Wrist)

Pronounced: Fracture Dis-tull Ray-d-us

by Patricia Griffin Kellicker, BSN

Definition

A Colles fracture is a break in the distal part of the radius bone. The radius is one of the bones of the forearm. The distal end 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 2 pieces
Intra-articular fracture—a broken bone within a joint
Extra-articular fracture—a broken bone that does not involve the joint

Intra-articular Colles Fracture

This sheet focuses on fracture of the distal radius. Fractures of other wrist bones can be found on a separate sheet.

Causes TOP

A distal radius fracture can be caused by:

A fall on an outstretched hand
A direct blow to the wrist

Risk Factors TOP

Factors that can increase your risk of breaking your radius bone include:

Severe trauma:
- Car accidents
- Fall from a height
- Violence
- Falling off a bike
- Skiing fall
Osteoporosis
Poor nutrition
Conditions that increase the risk of falling include:
- Snow
- Ice
- Loss of agility or muscle strength
- Certain sports
Increased age
Postmenopause
Decreased muscle mass

Symptoms TOP

Symptoms may include:

Arm or wrist pain
Bruising
Swelling
Tenderness
Severe pain with movement
Trouble moving your wrist or arm
Wrist appears out of line

Diagnosis TOP

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Images will usually be taken of the wrist or arm. This can be done with an x-ray.

You may be referred to a specialist. An orthopedist focuses on bones.

Treatment TOP

Proper treatment can prevent long-term complications or problems with your wrist. Treatment will depend on how serious the fracture is, but may include:

Initial Care

A cast, splint, or sling may needed to protect, support, and keep your wrist in line while it heals.

Some fractures cause pieces of bone to separate. These pieces will need to be put back into their proper place. This may be done:

Without surgery—you will have anesthesia to decrease pain while the doctor moves the pieces back into place
With surgery—pins, wires, plates, screws, or stitches in the bone or tendons may be needed to reconnect the pieces and hold them in place

Medication

Prescription or over-the-counter medications may be given to help reduce inflammation and pain.

Medications may include acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Check with your doctor before taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

Rest and Recovery TOP

Healing time varies by age and your overall health. In general, it takes up to 6-10 weeks to heal.

Physical therapy or rehabilitation therapy will be used to improve range of motion and strengthen the wrist.

Prevention TOP

To help reduce your chance of fracturing your radius bone:

Consider wearing a wrist guard when you play sports that put you at risk, such as in-line skating.
Keep your muscles strong to prevent falls.

RESOURCES:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org

When it Hurts to Move—Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://whenithurtstomove.org

References:

Distal radius fracture. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated March 2013. Accessed August 30, 2017.

Distal radius fracture-emergency management. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed... . Accessed August 30, 2017.

5/6/2010 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed... : 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 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Last Updated: 9/23/2014

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