Wrist Flashcards
What is colles fracture?
Characterised by posterior/dorsal displacement of the distal fragment
How does colles fracture look like?
like a fork, the wrist is bent downwards
results in posterior displacement of the radius and deformity
INWARD
What is Smith’s fracture?
Characterised by anterior/palmer displacement of the distal fragment
Which bones are damaged in a colles fracture?
- a complete fracture of the radius bone of the forearm close to the wrist
How does colles fracture usually happen?
a Fall
lands on an outstretched hand in dorsiflexion
Why does a smith’s fracture happen?
falls, usually landed on back of the wrist with hand flexed anteriorly
How do you know if there is a scaphoid fracture?
Typically noted by pain in the anatomical snuff box
Why is a scaphoid fracture dangerous?
It can affect ones blood supply
Why are scaphoid injuries not evident at the time of injury?
- size of bone
- fine nature of the fracture
What should we do post a scaphoid fracture?
Do a repeat x-ray 10-14 days post-injury
Check for:
- any callous formation
- avascular necrosis
What’s the difference between colles and smith fracture?
If you’re diagnosed with a Colles fracture, the broken piece of your wrist bone (radius) points backward. Smith fractures are the opposite: The broken end of your bone points forward.
