It is designed to remain in place indefinitely. Occasionally the plate may lead to adhesions requiring a second short procedure to remove it. When there is associated ligament damage or the fracture involves several displaced fractures within the joint, the dorsal approach will allow for better visualization of the articulation of the joint surface. This depends largely on the surgeon preference and the type of fracture. The plates may be placed on the front or volar side of the wrist or the back or dorsal side of the wrist. Plates are often employed to stabilize the Colles Fracture with excellent results. Numerous models of external fixator have been developed for distal radius fractures over the years. The pins are attached to a device worn outside of the wrist. In external fixation, a device known as an external fixator is used to pin the bones in place and hold them steady. The pins are removed after the fracture has healed. In closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, the pins are inserted into the fracture, manipulated to realign the bones, and then used to stabilize the fracture. There are several surgical techniques available. Surgery is indicated for displaced fractures or fractures that are unstable and fail closed reduction. This is followed by a plaster cast for 6 weeks during which time x rays are taken periodically to ensure the bone remains aligned. If the fracture is minimally displaced, the surgeon may manually move the bones back in place in a procedure called closed reduction. In young, active patients a plaster cast is usually placed to ensure immobilization and proper healing. This method is most frequently employed in elderly, low activity level patients. If the fracture is not displaced and pain is minimal, a simple splint may be used to immobilize the area. The goal is to return the wrist to its prior level of functioning. As Colles fractures are so common, many methods of treatment have been developed to stabilize the fractures and allow the bone to heal. Treatment of Colles fractures depend on the type of Colles fracture present, the age and activity level of the patient, the surgeon’s preference in treatment method, and the patient’ s desires regarding immobilization and return to activity. X rays and/or CT scan will confirm the presence and classification of the fracture. Physical examination assesses the soft tissues surrounding the joint and determines if the surrounding nerves and blood vessels have been injured. Pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity are common symptoms of a Colles Fracture, depending on the type of fracture and its characteristics.Ī careful history including the mechanism of injury establishes suspicion for a Colles fracture. What are the symptoms of a Colles Fracture? High energy falls, such as from a motorcycle, occur in the 18-25 age group, and low intensity falls, such as from tripping and falling occur in senior citizens with brittle bones. There is a bimodal peak of incidence of Colles fracture. For example, in a true Colles fracture, the fall occurs in the forward direction with the wrist extended to break the fall, and in the rarer Smith’s fracture, the fall occurs onto a flexed wrist.Ĭolles fractures can also be caused by direct trauma. The position of the hand is important in determining the type of fracture that results. What are the causes of a Colles Fracture?Īlthough Colles Fractures are a heterogeneous group of injuries, the etiology is usually the same: a fall on an outstretched arm. Distal radius fractures can also pierce the skin resulting in an open fracture. When the distal radius is broken into many small pieces of bone as in a crush injury, it is deemed a comminuted fracture. These intra- or extra-articular fractures can either be displaced or alignment can be maintained. A fracture of the distal radius can be intra- or extra-articular, depending on whether the fracture extends into the wrist joint. Smith fractures, Chauffer’s fractures, and Barton’s fractures- other types of distal radius fractures- are also included under the umbrella of distal radius fractures.ĭistal radius fractures are further classified based on certain characteristics. At present time in the United States, and for the purposes of this article, we will refer to all distal radius fractures as Colles Fractures. It is commonly called a “broken wrist” although the distal radius is the location of the fracture, not the carpal bones of the wrist.įractures of the distal radius are extremely common and historically several methods of classification have been proposed. A true Colles Fracture is a complete fracture of the radius bone of the forearm close to the wrist resulting in an upward (posterior) displacement of the radius and obvious deformity.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |