When we are about to fall, the first thing we do without even realizing it is to try to save ourselves by putting our hands on the ground. Imagine that you slipped on a staircase, or you tripped on something while walking. At that time, we try to stop our body from hitting the ground by putting our hands on the ground. But when we do that, the weight of our entire body suddenly goes to our wrist . With the intense pressure that comes at that time, there is a high chance of breaking a bone in the wrist . That is why we call a wrist fracture, which is very common, a "Colles Fracture" in medicine.
Simply put, what is a Colles Fracture?
Okay, let's explain this a little more simply. There are two main bones in your hand, from your elbow to your wrist . The larger one, on the thumb side, is called the radius. A Colles Fracture is a fracture of the radius bone, which is closest to the wrist , about an inch above the wrist .
What's special about this is that when the bone breaks, the broken piece is pulled up into the hand. It's like one piece of a small branch that has been broken in two is bent up. This is a very painful and serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
If you suspect you have a wrist fracture, don't even think about treating it at home. The best thing to do is go to the nearest hospital's emergency department, or ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit), as soon as possible.
Who is most likely to experience this condition?
Although a Colles Fracture can occur in anyone of any age, certain groups are at higher risk.
- Women over 60: This risk is particularly high for older women with a condition called ``Osteoporosis.`` Simply put, ``Osteoporosis`` is a disease in which bones become weak, brittle, and easily broken as we age. Sometimes people don't even know they have this disease. Even a small slip and fall can cause a bone to break.
- Athletes: People who play sports like cricket, football, and skating are also at risk because they are prone to falls.
- Other accidents: These types of fractures can also occur in severe accidents such as car accidents, falls from bicycles, and falls while riding horses.
How is osteoporosis related to this?
Your wristIf you break a bone from a minor fall, it could be a sign that you may have osteoporosis. Healthy, strong bones are not easily broken by a minor fall. Therefore, it is wise to talk to your doctor about this and get tested for osteoporosis. There are now good treatments for it.
What are the symptoms of a Colles Fracture?
When you break your wrist , you feel a lot of pain. Along with that, you may notice several other symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Severe pain | A sharp, unbearable pain coming from a broken wrist . |
| Swelling | The area around the fracture begins to swell considerably. |
| Bluish/bruising | Blood may flow under the skin, causing the area to turn blue or purple. |
| Abnormal appearance (Deformity) | This is one of the most distinctive features of a Colles Fracture. The wrist may appear strangely bent, crooked, and bent upward, like a fork. |
| Difficulty moving | You may not be able to rotate your wrist or move it up and down normally. It may also be difficult to move your fingers. |
What are the complications that can occur if left untreated?
If a Colles Fracture is not treated properly, and sometimes even with treatment, certain complications can occur. It is very important to be aware of these.
| Complication | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Stiffness of the wrist | This is the most common complication. After the cast is removed, it may be difficult to bend or straighten the wrist for a month or two. This can be largely avoided with physical therapy. |
| Compartment Syndrome | A severe, painful condition caused by excessive pressure around the muscles of the hand. This is an emergency. |
| Malunion | The two broken bone pieces may not be completely aligned, but may be slightly offset. This can change the appearance of the wrist and cause continued pain. |
| Nerve Injury | When a bone breaks, nearby nerves can be damaged. For example, a condition called ``Carpal Tunnel Syndrome'' can occur. In this, a nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, causing numbness and pain in the hand and fingers. |
| Secondary Osteoarthritis | After a while, arthritis can develop in the joint where the bone was broken. This causes pain and swelling in the joint. |
How does the doctor diagnose this? What is the treatment?
When you go to the ETU, the doctor will first ask you about how the accident happened, the pain you're feeling, and the symptoms you're having. Then he'll examine your hand.
Then, an X-ray is done to see exactly if the bone is broken, and if so, where and how it is broken. An X-ray can clearly confirm whether there is a `Colles Fracture`.
Treatment methods
There are two main goals of treatment. One is to bring the broken bone fragments back into their correct position (Reduction). The second is to immobilize the bone so that it can heal again (Immobilization).
1. Non-surgical treatment:
This is the treatment that is often used. Here, the doctor will give you medicine to numb your wrist and slowly move the broken pieces of bone back into place while pulling on your hand. This is called ``resetting''. Then, a plaster cast is placed from below the elbow to the middle of the finger to keep the bones in place. This plaster cast usually needs to be worn for about 6 weeks . During this time, the broken bone will heal and rejoin.
2. Surgery:
Sometimes, if the bone is broken into many pieces or is too stretched to be fixed by hand, surgery may be necessary. This is done by an orthopedic surgeon. The skin is cut, the broken bone pieces are repositioned, and the following items are used to keep them in place:
- Metal pins
- Metal plates
- Screws
- An external fixator
After surgery, a plaster or splint will be applied to the hand.
How long will it take to recover? Can I get back to normal?
The cast is usually removed after about 6 weeks. However, your hand is not completely healed when it is removed. There may be some stiffness and some pain in the wrist .
It can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to fully, meaning 100%, regain the function of your hand as it was before the accident. This varies from person to person.
After the cast is removed, your doctor will refer you to physical therapy . A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to help you regain movement in your wrist and increase strength in your hand. Doing these exercises correctly is very important for a speedy recovery.
When to see the doctor again
If you experience these symptoms, whether while wearing the plaster or after removing it, you should see your doctor immediately .
- If the pain becomes unbearable.
- If you cannot move your fingers or if the color of your fingers changes (blue, white, or pale).
- If you experience tingling or numbness in your fingers.
- If there is a bad smell coming from inside the plaster.
- If the plaster feels too tight.
It is essential to seek medical advice promptly as these may be signs of a complication.
Take-Home Message
- A Colles Fracture is a painful, often painful fracture of the wrist that occurs when the hand falls outstretched.
- If you experience severe pain, swelling, and unusual tenderness in your wrist , it could be a fracture.
- If in doubt, do not attempt treatment at home and go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
- This type of fracture in older women can be a symptom of osteoporosis, so talk to your doctor about that too.
- After treatment, physical therapy and exercise are essential for a full recovery.
- Following the doctor's instructions exactly is essential for a quick and successful recovery.
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