Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

Definition

A colle's fracture is a break in the distal part of the radius bone. The radius is one of the bones of the forearm. The distal end of the bone is considered part of the wrist. Distal radius fractures are categorized by type:

  • Open fracture—a broken bone that breaks through the skin
  • Comminuted fracture—a bone that breaks into more than two pieces
  • Intra-articular fracture—a broken bone within a joint
  • Extra-articular fracture—a broken bone that does not involve the joint

Intra-articular Colle's Fracture

Colle's Fracture
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This sheet focuses on fracture of the distal radius. Fractures of other wrist bones can be found on a separate sheet.

Causes

The most common cause of a distal radius fracture is a fall on an outstretched hand. It can also be caused by:

  • Direct blow to wrist:
    • Car accident
    • Falling off a bike
    • Skiing fall
  • Other trauma

Risk Factors

Factors that can increase your risk of breaking your radius bone include:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Poor nutrition
  • Conditions that increase the risk of falling:
    • Snow
    • Ice
    • Loss of agility or muscle strength
  • Increased age
  • Postmenopause
  • Decreased muscle mass

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to a distal radius fracture. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions.

  • Arm or wrist pain
  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Severe pain with movement
  • Trouble moving wrist or arm
  • Wrist appears out of line

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a specialist. An orthopedist focuses on bones.

Images may need to be taken of your wrist or arm. This can be done with an x-ray.

Treatment

It takes 6-10 weeks for a fracture of the radius at the wrist to heal. The type of treatment you receive depends on where you broke your bone and how serious the break is.

Some fractures require a reduction. This means the doctor realigns the bones before healing begins. Reductions can be done by the doctor moving your arm into position or through surgery.

Your doctor may choose to treat the fracture using a cast. Your cast may be removed after a few weeks and replaced if it loosens. Most casts are removed at about six weeks.

In other cases, a splint or a soft bandage may be used instead of a cast. Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you.

Your doctor may prescribe a pain medicine or suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever.

A distal radius fracture sometimes requires surgery. The surgeon first realigns the bones with a reduction. Then, any of the following may be used to hold the bones together as they heal:

  • A plate and screws
  • Pins
  • An external device that holds the inside pins together

You may be given a splint to wear after surgery to keep your arm from moving too much.

You will probably work with a physical therapist. They can help you regain range of motion and strength.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of fracturing your radius bone, take the following steps: