Colles' fracture

Alternative names:

buckle fracture; Colles' wrist fracture; transverse wrist fracture

Definition:

A break across the end of both of the lower arm bones. A Colles' fracture results in a backward and outward position of the hand in relation to the wrist.

Considerations:

The Colles' fracture is a common fracture in children and the elderly. It occurs when a person falls foreword and then attempts to break the fall by throwing the hands forward. The impact of the hand on the ground and the sudden uptake of body weight by the wrist causes the ends of the radius and ulna (the two bones in the forearm) to buckle just above the wrist.

The fracture may appear on X-ray as a mild increase in density on the top side of bone with a slight irregularity in the surface rather than a nice smooth line. Severe injuries will show evidence of a fracture through the entire bone.

Treatment may range from simple immobilization with a splint and sling to a lightweight fiberglass cast. If immobilization is insufficient to repair the fracture, surgical intervention with internal fixation may be necessary.

Older people with Colles' fractures often fail to regain full mobility of the wrist joint. Carpal tunnel syndrome may occur as a late complication of the injury. Chronic pain may result from injury to the ligaments.

Common causes:

This injury is usually the result of trauma from a fall in which the person attempts to break the fall using the hands and arms. It is frequently associated with such sports as rollerblading, skateboarding, running or any other activity in which the hands may be called upon to prevent a foreword fall occurring at relatively high speed.

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial