Broken wrist? Let's talk about Colles' Fracture

Imagine that you were walking down the street and suddenly slipped and fell, but you put your hand on the ground to save yourself. Or let's say you fell while playing sports or riding a bike. If you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your wrist, the area starts to swell, and the shape of your hand seems to have changed a bit, it is likely that you have broken a bone in your hand. This is the most common type of fracture we are talking about today.

What is a Colles' Fracture?

Simply put, a Colles' Fracture is a break in the radius bone, the larger of the two bones in your forearm, near the wrist. Some people also call it a "hand wrist fracture." This is a very common injury. In fact, it is the most common bone fracture in our hands.

Although this can happen to anyone, it is especially dangerous for people who play contact sports, such as skiing, roller skating, and cycling. Also, adults with osteoporosis , a disease that weakens the bones, especially women, are more likely to suffer a fracture from even a minor fall.

What are the signs of a breakup like this?

If you break your wrist, you may experience one or more of these symptoms. It is important to be aware of these symptoms so that you can seek prompt treatment.

Your doctor will first examine your arm carefully. Then, they will order several X-rays to determine exactly what the fracture looks like.

How does the doctor treat this?

The treatment method depends on the nature of the fracture.

• Bone realignment: If the broken bone fragments are not in the right place, the doctor will have to reset them. This is a bit painful, so it is usually done under anesthesia . Then, pain medication is given.

• Putting on a splint: Since there is initial swelling, a splint may be worn for a few days or a week until it subsides.

• Putting on a cast: After the swelling has subsided, a cast is placed to stabilize the bone. Depending on the severity of the fracture, this cast may be worn for 6-8 weeks or longer. Sometimes, a second cast may be placed because the first cast may be lost once the swelling has completely subsided.

• X-ray check-ups: Your doctor will ask you to take X-rays from time to time to see if the bone is healing properly.

When is surgery necessary?

In most cases, this condition can be treated with a cast. However, in some cases, surgery is needed. In particular, if the doctor thinks that the bone will not heal properly with a cast, he or she will refer you for surgery. In this case, small devices such as pins, plates, or screws are used to fix the bone in place.

Things you can do at home while you recover

Once you get home from the cast, these things will help you heal quickly.

• Elevate your arm: For the first few days, keep your arm elevated above your heart level, either over the back of a chair or on a pillow. This will help reduce both pain and swelling.
• Apply ice: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours for two to three days. Be careful not to get the cast or splint wet .
• Painkillers: Talk to your doctor and take any painkillers he or she prescribes. Sometimes NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed. However, prolonged use of these can delay bone healing, so only use them as directed by your doctor .
• Exercise: If your doctor recommends it, do simple exercises for your fingers, elbows, and shoulders. This can help reduce stiffness in your hands.

How long will it take to get back to normal?

This is the question everyone wants to know. But there is no single answer to this. It varies from person to person and depending on the nature of the breakup.

Keep these things in mind while healing:

• It can take 8 weeks or more for a hand to heal. For a severe fracture, it can take up to 6 months .
• You may still have discomfort and stiffness in your hand for months, maybe even years.
• Follow your doctor's instructions on how to care for the cast exactly. Do not get the cast wet.
• If the pain or swelling continues to increase after the cast is put on, or if your fingers are tingling, see your doctor immediately.

What complications can occur if left untreated?

If treated promptly and followed up properly, complications usually do not occur. However, if treatment is delayed or the fracture is severe, some complications may occur.

• Early complications: Damage to nerves or blood vessels. Some people may develop a condition called compartment syndrome , which is a dangerous increase in pressure inside the muscle.
• Later complications: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome ( nerve compression in the wrist) and osteoarthritis ( joint degeneration) can occur later.

In some severe cases, a broken bone fragment may protrude through the skin, the bone may break in multiple places, or the bone fragments may damage blood vessels or nerves.

Can accidents like this be prevented?

This type of fracture is more difficult to prevent because it occurs through accidental falls. However, if you play risky sports, wearing wrist guards can provide some protection. A broken wrist, especially in women, can be a sign of osteoporosis . Therefore, talk to your doctor about your bone health and risk factors. There are many things you can do to maintain a healthy skeleton.

Colles' Fracture, Hand Fracture, Wrist Fracture, Hand Fracture, Fall Accident, Cast