Distal fracture of the radius - Colles' fracture

This is the most common fracture of the arm. The term Colles' fracture is applied generically to mean a distal radius fracture. The most common cause of this type of fracture is a fall onto an outstretched arm. It is characterized by pain, swelling and inability to move the affected wrist (loss of function). Diagnosis is established by taking the medical history and performing a physical examination and it is confirmed by a wrist X-ray. In all cases, analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatment will be administered for pain control. In non-displaced fractures, it is normally sufficient to immobilize the joint with a splint or cast. Complex or displaced fractures often require surgical fixation.