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Facture
Colles
Fracture
Introduction
A colles fracture is defined as a break
across the end of the large bone of the forearm called
the radius.
Cause
As with most types of wrist fractures
a fall is the primary cause of a colles fracture. The
impact of the fall and bodyweight causes the radius
to buckle. The young and elderly are particularly susceptible
to this fracture as children's bones are soft and elderly
patients bones tend to be brittle. In the elderly a
condition called osteoporosis can often lead to a colles
fracture.
Osteoporosis is a bone disorder. The bones
become thinner, lose their strength, and are more likely
to break. People with osteoporosis have a higher risk
of fractures. Their bones can fracture even during everyday
movements, such as bending or coughing. Osteoporosis
is not a form of arthritis, although it can cause fractures
that lead to arthritis.It is more common in women than
men and people with osteoporosis usually fractured the
wrist first. This typically occurs between ages 50 and
70 in women.
Treatment
- Elevate the wrist and place in a sling.
- Place a ice pack on the wrist to reduce the swelling.
- Do not attempt to move the wrist
- Visit a hospital for x-rays and casting
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation begins by maintaining the range of movement
in the fingers, thumb and shoulder, on the side of the
affected wrist. This will help to prevent stiffness
in these areas. Assuming that there are no complications
with healing, the plaster can usually be removed after
6 weeks, the doctor may request further x-rays to ensure
the bone is well aligned and is healing.
Recommended Products
for Colles Fracture (Wrist Fracture)
 Wrist
Brace
Designed to limit movement after a fracture.
Features a removable aluminum splint.
Pro
Lite Wrist Splint
The Pro Lite is wrist splint is ideal for weak wrists
after cast removal. Stabilizes the wrist while still
allowing full movement of the fingers
View
other wrist braces
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