Colles fracture

Question 1

What is ‘Colles fracture’

Answer 1

1. Fracture of the distal radius 2. Characteristic of backward displacement of hand

Question 2

Mechanism of injury of ‘Colles fracture’

Answer 2

* Fall onto outstretched hand’ - FOOSH 1. Extra articular fracture of distal radius 2. Distal radius - dorsal angulation and dorsal displacement due to forced supination of the hand

Question 3

What is the name of the classic presentation of ‘Colles fracture’

Answer 3

Dinner fork deformity

Question 4

Incidence of ‘Colles fracture’

Answer 4

1. Elderly women due to osteoporosis 2. Men and young adults

Question 5

What are the fractures associated with?

Answer 5

50% have ulnar styloid fracture associated

Question 6

What is the main method of mx?

Answer 6

1. Conservative management - closed reduction and plaster cast immobilisation

Question 7

Name 3 main complications of mx

Answer 7

1. Malunion - persistent dinner fork deformity 2. Median nerve palsy and post traumatic carpal tunnel syndrome 3. Secondary osteoarthritis

Question 8

Ix and examinations

Answer 8

1. X ray 2. check neurovascular exam - function of median, ulnar and radial nerve

Question 9

check function of median nerve

Answer 9

motor – abduction of the thumb; sensory – radial surface of distal 2nd digit

Question 10

check function of ulnar nerve

Answer 10

motor – adduction of the thumb (‘Froment’s Sign’); sensory – ulnar surface of the distal 5th digit

Question 11

check function of radial nerve

Answer 11

motor – extension of IPJ of thumb; sensory – dorsal surface of 1st webspace