Colles fracture

Complete list of fracture information

A colles fracture is a fracture or break in the radius just above the wrist.

Most Colles fractures happen when someone tries to break a fall with their hand the
weight of their bodies causes the radius to fracture just above the wrist.

Symptoms of a colles fracture

• Change in the shape or angle of the forearm just above the wrist


• Inability to hold or lift heavy objects


• Wrist pain


• Swelling just above the wrist

Treatment of a colles fracture

• Repositioning bones and


• Immobilization such as a splint or cast.


• Fractures with three or more pieces of broken bone, known as a
  comminuted fracture, may require pins or other devices to hold the bones in
  proper position while they heal.

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