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Colles fracture

Case contributed by Pir Abdul Ahad Aziz Qureshi
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall on outstretched hand.

Patient Data

Age: 55 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Extra-articular transverse fracture through distal radius with dorsal angulation.

Case Discussion

Colles fracture is most common type of distal radial fracture seen in adults. These fractures are particularly common in osteoporotic patients. It is uncommon in young patients but when a Colles fracture does occur in young people it is usually due to high energy trauma or fall (eg. sports). 

Most Colles fractures are due to fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH) with the forearm pronated and the wrist in dorsiflexion.

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