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Colles Fracture - Physiopedia
Colles Fracture - Physiopedia
Colles Fracture - Physiopedia
Top Contributors - Emma Guettard (/User:Emma_Guettard), Adam Vallely Farrell (/User:Adam_Vallely_Farrell), Kim Jackson (/User:Kim_Jackson), Stacy S Stone (/User:Stacy_S_Stone)
and Laura Ritchie (/User:Laura_Ritchie) - Emma Guettard (/User:Emma_Guettard) as part of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel Evidence-based Practice Project
(/Vrije_Universiteit_Brussel_Evidence-based_Practice_Project)
Contents
1 Definition/Description
2 Clinical Relevant Anatomy
3 Epidemiology/Etiology
4 Characteristics/Clinical Presentation
4.1 Frykman Classification
5 Diagnosis
6 Differential Diagnosis/ Associated Injuries
7 Outcome Measures
8 Medical Management
9 Physical Therapy Management
9.1 Initial Rehabilitation
9.2 Sub-Acute Phase
9.3 Modalities
9.3.1 Heat/Paraffin Wax
9.3.2 Massage
9.3.3 Cryotherapy
9.3.4 Electrical Stimulation
9.3.5 Exercise
10 Suggested Guidelines for the Conservative and Non-Conservative Management of a Colles Fracture
11 Case Study
11.1 Supervised Active Rehabilitation Program Used in the Study
12 References
Definition/Description
A Colles Fracture (/Fracture) is a complete fracture of the radius bone (/Radius) of the forearm close to the wrist (/Wrist_and_Hand)
resulting in an upward (posterior) displacement of the radius and obvious deformity. It is commonly called a “broken wrist” in spite of
the fact that the distal radius is the location of the fracture, not the carpal bones of the wrist.[1]
The Colles fracture is named after Abraham Colles, an Irish surgeon, who first described it in 1814 by simply looking at the classical
deformity before the advent of X-rays (/X-Rays)
The fracture originates from a fall on the outstretched hand and is usually associated with dorsal and radial displacement of the
distal fragment, and disturbance of the radial-ulnar articulation. Possibly the ulnar styloid may be fractured. Communication of the
distal fragment and fractures into the joint surface is present in some of these fractures. The colles fracture is one of the most
common and challenging of the outpatient fractures[2]. Colles' fracture is defined as a linear transverse fracture of the distal radius
approximately 20-35 mm proximal to the articular surface with dorsal angulation of the distal fragment[3]. The below brief video gives
a summary of Colles Fractures.
(/File:Colles-fracture.jpg)
[4]
The distal ulna (/Ulna) attaches to a meniscus-like structure, the triangular fibrocartilage discus (TFC), which can be torn with wrist fractures.
On the lateral side of the radius is a styloid process, onto which the brachioradialis inserts and from which the radial collateral ligament of the wrist originates.
Epidemiology/Etiology
It is known that these fractures appear mostly by young adults and the elderly[8] and more often in females compared to males, often there is a history of osteoporosis. In the United States
and in Northern Europe, Colles fractures are the most common fractures in women up to the age of 75 years[9]. Stable Colles' fractures present with minimal comminution. Unstable
fractures are distinctly comminuted often with corresponding avulsions of the radial or ulnar styloid, that have the potential to cause compression neuropathies, especially of the median
nerve. Other complications that have been reported are degenerative joint disease and reflex sympathetic dystrophy[3].
Colles fractures are the most common type of distal radial fracture and are seen in all adult age groups and demographics. They are particularly common in patients with osteoporosis, and
as such, they are most frequently seen in elderly women and particularly from simply falling on an outstretched hand in a ground-level fall. The relationship between Colles fractures and
osteoporosis is strong enough that when an older male patient presents with a Colles fracture, he should be investigated for osteoporosis because his risk of a hip fracture is also elevated.
[10] An increasing awareness of osteoporosis has led to these injuries being termed fragility fractures, with the implication that a workup for osteoporosis should be a standard part of
treatment. As the population lives longer, the frequency of this type of fracture will increase.
Younger patients have stronger bone, and thus, more energy is required to create a fracture in these individuals. Younger patients who sustain Colles fractures have usually been involved
[10]
in high impact trauma or have fallen, e.g. during contact sports, skiing, horse riding[10], motorcycle accidents, falls from a height.
Characteristics/Clinical Presentation
The clinical presentation of Colles fracture is commonly described as a dinner fork deformity. A distal fracture of the radius causes posterior displacement of the distal fragment, causing
the forearm to be angled posteriorly just proximal to the wrist. With the hand displaying its normal forward arch, the patient’s forearm and hand resemble the curvature of a dinner fork.
Frykman Classification
Gosta Frykman identified many different forms of Colles fracture and classified it into eight different types based on the extra- or intra-
articular nature of fractures involving the distal ends of the radius and ulna.
Patients frequently heal well with no complications. If the displacement of the Colles fracture is seen a few weeks after reduction, it's
important to take and check radiographs a week-10 days after injury. Possible complications may include:
Malunion
Persistent translation of the carpus (/File:Frykman.gif)
Shortening of radius Frykman classification[13]
Stiffness of the wrist and the forearm
Few very rare complications are carpal tunnel syndrome, Sudeck's atrophy and ulnar and radial compression neuropathy.[16]
Diagnosis
A careful history including the mechanism of injury establishes suspicion for a Colles fracture. Diagnosis is most often made upon interpretation of posteroanterior and lateral views
alone.[18]
Radial shortening
Loss of ulnar inclination
Radial angulation of the wrist
Comminution at the fracture site
Associated fracture of the ulnar styloid process in more than 60% of cases.[19]
Outcome Measures
DASH (/DASH_Outcome_Measure)
Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE)
Green Score
O'Brian Score [7][21][22][23]
Medical Management
[24]
The treatment of Colles fractures will depend on the type of Colle's fracture present, the age and activity level of the patient, the surgeon’s preference, and the patient’s desires regarding
immobilisation and return to activity. As Colles fractures are so common, many methods of treatment have been developed to stabilize the fractures and allow the bone to heal. The
ultimate goal is to return the wrist to its prior level of functioning.
Management of a Colle's fracture depends on the severity of the fracture. An undisplaced fracture may be treated conservatively with a cast alone. The cast is applied with the distal
fragment in palmar flexion and ulnar deviation.
Surgical options can include external fixation, internal fixation, percutaneous pinning, and bone substitutes.
A fracture with mild angulation and displacement may require closed reduction. Significant angulation and deformity may require an open reduction and internal fixation or external fixation.
The volar forearm splint (/Fabricating_a_Volar_Extension_Splint_for_Colles%27_Fracture) is best for temporary immobilisation of forearm, wrist and hand fractures, including Colles
fracture.
The fracture pattern, degree of displacement, the stability of the fracture, and the age and physical demands of the patient will all be considered when determining the best treatment
option[25][26]
Initial Rehabilitation
One of the primary goals in early rehab is to restore normal range of motion (ROM) at the wrist with both passive ROM and progression to active ROM. Wrist flexion and extension are
often the first motions emphasised working within the patient's pain-free available range.[29] The addition of ROM exercises helps to limit scar tissue and adhesion formation that
commonly occur after surgery. It is also important to emphasise motion at the joints above and below (shoulder, elbow, and fingers) during all phases of rehab. One of the primary focuses
in early rehab is to limit the pain and the amount of oedema present in the wrist and hand region.[28]
Sub-Acute Phase
The next phase of rehab in the treatment of Colles’ fracture continues to focus on increasing wrist ROM and the commencement of strengthening exercises. For fractures that were
surgically treated, ROM should be regained between 6 to 8 weeks post-op.[31] Examples of ROM exercises that can be performed include:
Wrist flexion/extension
Radial/ulnar deviation
Pronation/supination
Making a fist and opening.[31]
In the sub-acute phase, ROM exercises can progress into strengthening by performing all exercises with a weight in the hand or performing grip squeeze with a foam ball or a towel roll.
During strengthening, it is important to address all forearm muscles but also the extrinsic and intrinsic hand muscles progressively building resistance as the individual gets stronger[28].
During this phase, progressive stretching can begin to increase available ROM. Each stretch should be held for 30-60 seconds for 3 repetitions. If the patient is unable to tolerate a slow,
prolonged stretch, shorter stretches of 10 seconds can be performed for 10 repetitions.[32]
Modalities
Heat/Paraffin Wax
Heat whether in the form of a heat pack or paraffin wax can be very beneficial in the early stages to increase ROM and decrease pain.[33][34] It is often used with cold therapy to improve
venous return.[35]
Massage
Massage (/Massage) to reduce scar tissue and retrograde massage to reduce swelling are two effective modalities used in rehabilitation post Colles fracture. The benefit is that can also be
taught to the patient to continue independently when in their own homes.[34][36]
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy (/Cryotherapy) is an effective modality for controlling oedema in the acute phase after trauma and during rehabilitation due to its ability in helping to decrease blood flow
through vasoconstriction limiting the amount of fluid escaping from capillaries to the interstitial fluid[37]. Cryotherapy can also be combined with compression and elevation in the treatment
of oedema.[38] To control pain using cryotherapy, the modality should be applied to the area for 10-15 minutes which can result in pain control up to 2 hours post-application.[38]
Precautions for the use of cryotherapy include: over a superficial branch of the nerve, over an open wound, poor sensation or mentation, and very young or very old patients.[38]
Contraindications for cryotherapy include; Acute febrile illness, Vasospasm e.g. Raynaud’s disease, Cryoglobinaemia, Cold urticaria.[39]
Electrical Stimulation
The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be used as an adjunct during any phase of rehab to address pain but can be particularly useful for patients that are
increasing the level of activity of the wrist. Conventional (high-rate) TENS is useful for disrupting the pain cycle through a prolonged treatment session as great as 24 hours a day.[37] Low-
rate TENS is another form of electrical stimulation that is successful in diminishing pain by targeting motor or nociceptive A-delta nerves. Low-rate TENS has been reported to be effective
in pain control for up to 4-5 hours post-treatment.[38]
The literature is still not conclusive on this topic and the results of one study may contradict or, on the contrary, reinforce the results of another study. Yet there is evidence supporting the
beneficial effects of electrical stimulation, especially in combination with physiotherapy exercises.
Exercise
Exercise (/Exercise_in_Pain_Management) is beneficial in the restoration of range and also vital to strengthen the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Immobility at the wrist has a huge effect
on the range of movement and power. Exercises to increase ROM can be as simple as walking the hand up the wall, whereas exercises such as tearing paper, writing and drawing are
great for strengthening the wrist and for improving the strength and dexterity of the hand. Being able to use opposition and pinching are vital for improving function and regaining
independence in ADLs[35]. Even simple tasks like buttoning a shirt can be difficult after a Colles fracture.
In the conservative management of Colles fractures they recommend dividing rehabilitation into three stages, acute, sub-acute and settled. The acute stage (0-8 weeks) focuses on
protection with a short-arm cast, controlling pain and oedema and maintaining the range of the digits, elbow and shoulder. Once the cast is removed, the sub-acute stage, the aim is to
control pain and oedema (TENS, ice), increase range of movement and increase activities of daily living (ADLs). In the final, settled, stage the goal of rehabilitation is to regain full ROM,
incorporate strengthening and return to normal activity.[40]
Where conservative management is not an option they again suggest the same three stages as for conservative management but the timescales differ. The acute stage begins in week 1
and ends at week 6. During this stage, the aim of any intervention focuses on controlling pain and oedema (TENS, ice), protection of the surgical site and maintaining ROM of the digits,
elbow, shoulder. The next, sub-acute, stage (7-10 weeks) emphasis is on protecting the fracture site, controlling pain and oedema (TENS, ice) and the ROM of both the involved and
uninvolved joints. [40] In the final, settled, stage the goals are the same as conservative management, regain full ROM, begin strengthening and increase tolerance of ADLs with the aim of
returning to normal activity[40]
Case Study
A case report used a rehabilitation protocol to improve range of motion and grip strength in an undisplaced, stable Colles' fracture. The patient got a treatment with passive interventions
to improve circulation and prevent immobilisation adhesion formation. These treatments included the application of an ice pack to reduce oedema followed by application of a wax bath on
the affected wrist. Gentle range of motion mobilisations were then introduced that could only be performed in flexion and extension to the patient's pain tolerance. Three sets of 5
flexion/extension repetitions were performed on the affected wrist. The joint was also mobilised in circumduction, ulnar flexion and radial flexion to the patient's level of tolerance.
Early mobilisation resulted in the rapid recovery of both movement and strength without causing more discomfort or adversely influencing the progression of the deformity. In patients over
55, minimally displaced fractures can safely be treated in a crepe bandage, and displaced fractures which have been reduced can be treated in a modified cast. Early mobilisation would
ensure rapid recovery of wrist and hand function while avoiding the complications of a conventional plaster cast[41].
This study [41] proved that in the groups with displaced and undisplaced fractures, the recovery of forearm rotation and finger movement paralleled the recovery of wrist movement: for
both types of fracture, early mobilisation led to an earlier return of strength. Although this recovery did not parallel the improvement in wrist movement.
In both categories early mobilisation led to more rapid resolution of wrist swelling in the first five weeks. At nine weeks and at 13 weeks the wrist girths were similar.
Patients encouraged to mobilise the injured wrist from the outset recovered wrist movement more quickly than those who were immobilised in a conventional plaster cast.[41]
References
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