Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Colles' Fracture

Causes

The fracture is most commonly caused by people falling backward onto a hard surface and breaking their fall with extended outstretched hands.

Displacements

  1. Proximal impaction
  2. Dorsal displacement
  3. Dorsal tilt
  4. Ulnar tilt

Treatment

Treatment of depends on the severity of the fracture. An undisplaced fracture may be treated with a cast alone.The cast is applied with the distal fragment in palmar flexion and ulnar deviation. A fracture with mild angulation and displacement may require closed reduction. Significant angulation and deformity may require an open reduction and internal fixation or external fixation.


Radiograph showing a typical Colle's Fracture

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