It is a compression injury that extends well into the wrist joint. The most common cause of this fracture is a fall on an outstretched wrist. It accounts for about 5% of all radial and ulnar fractures combined. The end of the radius is displaced or angled in the direction of the palm of the hand. This is almost always caused by a strike or collision to the back of the wrist, as expected when falling backward or on a bent wrist. Colles fractures represent about 90% of all distal fractures. It happens because the broken’ end of the distal radius shifts up toward the back of the hand. There is a distinct “bump” in the wrist similar to the neck of the fork. The side view of a wrist after a Colles fracture is called a “dinner fork deformity” compared to the shape of a fork facing down. A Colles fracture may result from direct impact to the palm, like when using the hands to break up a fall and landing on the palms. The three prominent types of distal radius fractures are: The break can take place at different angles and unequal amounts of dislocation. The most common location for a distal radius fracture is about one inch from the wrist. Most wrist fractures are the result of a break in the radius bone at the radiocarpal joint-known as a distal radius fracture. Fractures occur primarily in young adults and people over age 65, with a high incidence in women over age 50. They account for 25% to 50% of all broken bones. Distal radius fractures are a common presentation to emergency departments and urgent care centers and are among the most common injuries seen in an adult orthopedic practice. When the radius breaks near the wrist, it is called a distal radius fracture. The part of the radius connected to the wrist joint is called the distal radius. The radius is one of two forearm bones and is located on the thumb side. Your first and safest start to treatment would be to see one of the experienced surgeons at Advanced Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists in Denver, Parker, and Aurora, Colorado. There are two types of distal radius fractures, and one can be an extremely painful and serious injury. It will help protect your wrist if you fall.A distal radius fracture, often known as a “ broken wrist, ” can result in complications that can have long-lasting effects if not treated immediately by an orthopedic specialist. Wear a wrist guard if you do activities that raise your risk of getting a Colles’ wrist fracture. ![]() Strength training routines, which include exercises like weightlifting, target the muscles and bones in the upper half of your body. Weight-bearing exercises such as jogging strengthen the bones and muscles in the lower half of your body. ExerciseĮxercise helps strengthen your bones and muscles, which makes you less likely to fall and fracture a bone. You can take supplements if you can’t get enough from sunlight and your diet. Eating foods that contain vitamin D, such as salmon, can help you get the amount you need. You may need additional vitamin D if you don’t go outside much or if you use sunscreen every time you’re in the sun. You can get enough vitamin D from sunlight. If your diet isn’t giving you enough calcium, you can make up for it by taking calcium supplements. Make sure you’re getting enough calcium by eating dark, leafy green vegetables and low-fat dairy products fortified with calcium. Preventing a Colles’ wrist fracture Nutrition You’ll do exercises to help rebuild strength in your wrist and regain your normal range of motion. Physical therapyĭepending on the severity of your injury, you might have to work with a physical therapist or occupational therapist. After surgery, you may need to wear a splint or cast to immobilize your wrist and help with pain relief. Your bones will be straightened and held together using pins, a plate and screws, or an external device that holds the pins in place. If your wrist is severely fractured, your doctor will recommend surgery to correct it. In most cases, the cast is taken off after a few weeks. This procedure, called a reduction, is done before your wrist is put in the cast. They may need to straighten the bone if the fracture is displaced. If your fracture isn’t serious, your doctor might place your wrist in a lightweight cast or splint and let it heal. Go straight to the emergency room if the pain is severe or if your wrist is numb. Schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately, or go to an urgent care center for medical treatment. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve pain.ĭon’t try to straighten your wrist, and avoid moving it around. Putting an ice pack on the injury also helps reduce swelling. Elevate your wrist above the level of your heart to prevent further swelling. ![]() ![]() You can simply use a magazine wrapped around your wrist to help support it. The most important treatment initially is immobilizing your wrist in a splint.
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