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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.
