A wrist fracture is a common wrist injury. This type of injury can occur from a variety…
A Colles fracture is the most common fracture of the wrist. This involves a fracture of the distal radius bone in the wrist. Although there are many possible mechanisms of injury, this fracture typically occurs from a fall while standing or walking. In more severe cases, this fracture can occur during a fall from a height or in a car accident.
Am I at risk of getting a Colles fracture?
Anybody can have this type of injury but there are some populations at higher risk. In younger patients these injuries occur from sporting activities such as skateboarding, snowboarding or any activity involving a fall on an outstretched hand. There is an increased risk of a Colles fracture in people over the age of 50, especially in patients with osteoporosis and patients who have balance problems.
How do I know I have a Colles fracture?
Typically there is immediate pain and swelling about the wrist. Bruising can occur but the bruising does not usually start right away. In more severe fractures, there is deformity of the wrist (the wrist looks crooked). In some cases there is also numbness in the fingers.
Do I need to go to the emergency room for a Colles fracture?
If you have deformity of the wrist and significant pain you should be seen urgently. There are several options if this injury occurs during normal office hours during the week, 8 AM to 5 PM. Our office will usually work-in patients urgently during the day and the fracture can be reduced (pushed back in place) in our office using numbing medication. Urgent care centers are another good option for initial treatment although most are not equipped to reduce the fracture if this is required. If the injury occurs while you are out-of-town or after-hours, Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center has board-certified orthopedists with advanced certification in treatment of arm injuries available on-call 24/7. We can discuss the injury over the phone with you and advise you how to proceed. If you are unsure whether you have fractured the wrist and there is only mild pain and swelling, then splinting the wrist and calling our office for an appointment or contacting us after hours would be appropriate. If you are having a life threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Do Colles fractures require surgical treatment?
Many patients with Colles fractures can be treated non-operatively with a cast either with or without a reduction depending on the x-ray findings. In some cases, because of the severity of the fracture and poor alignment of the wrist, surgery is recommended. Surgical treatment typically is done in an outpatient surgical setting at a surgery center. The physician will often place a plate to align and hold the fracture until bone healing. The plates used nowadays are low profile so these usually do not need to be removed later.
How long will it take to heal a Colles fracture?
Whether you have surgical treatment or non-surgical treatment the fracture takes around 6 weeks to heal. During the healing process an occupational therapist will help you recover strength and range of motion in your hand and wrist. During the healing process the patient will have the fingers outside of the splint or cast so they will be able to use the hand for light to medium activities. Raleigh Hand to Shoulder physicians are available 24/7 for questions related to swelling and pain in the wrist following an injury such as a fall or sports injury.
