A Colles' fracture is a break in the distal radius bone, causing the wrist to shift upward.

It usually happens when someone falls on an outstretched hand, commonly from standing height.

Symptoms are immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and a wrist deformity called "dinner fork" or "bayonet" shape.

An Xray confirms the fracture and shows how much the bone is out of place and if there are other injuries.

A Colles' fracture has upward wrist displacement, while a Smith's fracture has downward (palmar) displacement.

Treatment might include closed reduction and casting, or surgery, based on fracture severity.

No, surgery is usually for fractures that are significantly out of place or unstable after reduction.

Closed reduction is a procedure to realign the broken bone without surgery, followed by casting to keep it still.

Surgical choices include open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) using plates and screws, and sometimes external fixation.

Bone healing might take 6 to 8 weeks, and complete recovery with rehab may take several months.

Yes, physical therapy usually helps regain wrist and hand strength, flexibility, and function.

Finger movement is often encouraged to avoid stiffness, even if the wrist is in a cast.

Light activities can often resume in weeks, while full activity may take months, depending on recovery.

Possible complications include stiffness, less range of motion, malunion, and arthritis after trauma.

Yes, other injuries like damage to ligaments or tendons in the wrist can happen.

A cast or splint helps keep the wrist still to allow the bone to heal properly.

Keep it dry and clean, do not insert objects, and follow your doctor's guidance.

Some numbness may arise from swelling, but ongoing numbness should be evaluated for nerve problems.

There is a risk for arthritis after trauma, particularly if joints are not aligned properly.

Inform your doctor if pain increases, as it may indicate complications or issues.

Driving should be avoided until wrist function and control are sufficient and after your doctor’s evaluation. goahead.

Avoid using your wrist for heavy things like lifting, pulling, or pushing.

Most people get back full function, but some might still feel stiffness or see limited motion.

Exercises like wrist bending, stretching, rotating, and grip strength are often suggested by a therapist.

Eating foods high in calcium and vitamin D helps bones heal and stay healthy.

Surgery might help properly align and secure a badly displaced fracture.

Look for signs like ongoing swelling, intense pain, and less wrist movement, which need a doctor’s check.

Smoking can reduce blood flow, slow down healing, and raise complication risks.

External fixation stabilizes the fracture using pins and an outer frame, typically used in challenging cases.

Though standard treatment is best, some patients may consider additional therapies with their doctor’s approval.

If left untreated, healing may be wrong, leading to lasting pain and function issues.

Without right treatment, chronic pain or limitations might happen, but good and timely care can help avoid this.

Usually it happens from injury, but weakened bones from overuse or osteoporosis can be factors too.

Keep the wrist up, use ice, and take antiinflammatory meds as your doctor says.

Not required, but physical therapy is highly suggested for better recovery of strength and function.

Followups typically include Xrays and checkups to see how healing goes and to change treatment if needed.

Yes, children can have a Colles’ fracture, but their treatment may vary due to growth.

Use fall prevention strategies and keep your bones healthy through diet and exercise.

Open reduction may be needed if the fracture can’t be aligned well using closed techniques.

You can gradually return to sports after full healing and clearance from your doctor.

Internal fixation uses plates and screws to hold the fracture stable from the inside.

Keep doing exercises, avoid risky activities at first, and follow any specific doctor’s advice.

Surgery usually leaves some scarring, but doctors try to minimize its appearance.

The "dinner fork" deformity describes the bent wrist shape commonly found with a Colles' fracture.

This injury usually happens in older people, especially women with weak bones, but can happen at any age.

Getting medical help right away is very important for a good exam, treatment, and plan.

A cast might work for stable fractures that are not shifted much, but not for those needing surgery.

Yes, tendons can be harmed, particularly if the fracture is complicated or displaced a lot.

People with diabetes may heal more slowly and should keep their blood sugar in check during treatment.

You should reach out if you feel more pain, swelling, numbness, or see signs of infection like redness or fever.