Colles Fracture Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Presentation from a channel with over 120 videos.
• Topic of discussion: Colles Fracture (coolest fracture).

Understanding Colles Fracture

• Definition: Fracture of the distal radius.
• Mechanism of Injury: Occurs due to a fall on an outstretched hand.
  • Hand Position:
    • Dorsiflexed: This is the position for Colles Fracture.
    • Ventral Flexed: Falls under a different condition known as Smith Fracture.

Key Characteristics

• Epidemiology: Common in the elderly due to weak bones (osteoporosis).
• Physical Examination:
  • Deformity: Dinner fork-like appearance of the hand.
  • Tenderness: Localized tenderness over the distal forearm.

Treatment Options

• Stable Fracture:

  • Treatment involves closed reduction and casting.

• Unstable Fracture:

  • Two options:
    • Closed reduction with percutaneous pinning.
    • Open reduction with internal fixation.
  • Note: Closed reduction usually suffices for treatment.

Ulna Involvement

• If the ulna is involved:
  • Displaced Ulna: Use a long arm cast.
  • Stable Ulna: A short arm cast is sufficient.
  • Mnemonic: "Stable starts with S, Short cast starts with S".

Conclusion

• Recap of Colles Fracture as a dorsally displaced and angulated radius.
• Importance of recognizing the dinner fork deformity.
• Encouragement to subscribe to the channel and follow on social media.

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• Reminder: Colles fracture = distal radius fracture due to fall on dorsiflexed hand.