A Colles fracture is a type of broken wrist. It means your radius bone is broken or cracked. The radius is the bone of your forearm on your thumb’s side. The forearm is the part of your arm between the elbow and your wrist. Your forearm is made up of two bones called the radius and the ulna. Often when the radius is broken, the ulna may also be broken.
A cast or splint is used to protect and keep your injured bone from moving as it heals.
CAUSES
• A direct blow to the wrist.
• Falling on an outstretched hand.
• Trauma, such as a car accident or a fall.
RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for Colles fracture include:
• Participating in contact and high-risk sports, such as skiing, biking, and ice skating.
• Smoking.
• Drinking more than three alcoholic beverages per …show more content…
• X-ray.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on many factors, including the severity of the fracture, your age, and your activity level. Treatment for Colles fracture can be nonsurgical or surgical.
Nonsurgical Treatment
A plaster cast or splint may be applied to your wrist if the bone is in a good position. If the fracture is not in good position, it may be necessary for your health care provider to realign it before applying a splint or cast. Usually, a cast or splint will be worn for several weeks.
Surgical Treatment
If the fractured bone is severely displaced, sometimes surgery is required to help hold it together as it heals. Depending on the fracture, there are a number of options for holding the bone in place while it heals, such as a cast and metal pins.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Keep your injured wrist elevated and move your fingers as much as possible.
• Do not put pressure on any part of your cast or splint. It may break.
• Use a plastic bag to protect your cast or splint from water while bathing or showering. Do not let your cast or splint get wet.
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care
A cast or splint is used to protect and keep your injured bone from moving as it heals.
CAUSES
• A direct blow to the wrist.
• Falling on an outstretched hand.
• Trauma, such as a car accident or a fall.
RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for Colles fracture include:
• Participating in contact and high-risk sports, such as skiing, biking, and ice skating.
• Smoking.
• Drinking more than three alcoholic beverages per …show more content…
• X-ray.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on many factors, including the severity of the fracture, your age, and your activity level. Treatment for Colles fracture can be nonsurgical or surgical.
Nonsurgical Treatment
A plaster cast or splint may be applied to your wrist if the bone is in a good position. If the fracture is not in good position, it may be necessary for your health care provider to realign it before applying a splint or cast. Usually, a cast or splint will be worn for several weeks.
Surgical Treatment
If the fractured bone is severely displaced, sometimes surgery is required to help hold it together as it heals. Depending on the fracture, there are a number of options for holding the bone in place while it heals, such as a cast and metal pins.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Keep your injured wrist elevated and move your fingers as much as possible.
• Do not put pressure on any part of your cast or splint. It may break.
• Use a plastic bag to protect your cast or splint from water while bathing or showering. Do not let your cast or splint get wet.
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care