How can you tell the difference between a Colles and Smith fracture?

A Smith fracture is an eponym for an extraarticular fracture of the distal radius featuring a volar displacement or angulation of the distal fragment. It is also known as a reverse Colles fracture since the more common Colles fracture features a dorsal displacement of the distal fracture fragment.

Which nerve is damaged in Smith fracture?

Evaluation of the extremity’s neurovascular status is critical. Research suggests that up to 15% of Smith’s fractures may show symptoms of acute carpal tunnel syndrome from compression to the median nerve. Both radial and ulnar nerve compression are less commonly involved.

How would you describe a Colles fracture?

A Colles’ fracture is a type of fracture of the distal forearm in which the broken end of the radius is bent backwards. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, deformity, and bruising. Complications may include damage to the median nerve. It typically occurs as a result of a fall on an outstretched hand.

What is the mechanism of a Colles fracture?

Mechanism. Most Colles fractures are secondary to a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH) with a pronated forearm in dorsiflexion (the position one adopts when trying to break a forward fall).

Which portion of the radius do you think is affected in a Colles Smith’s fracture?

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.

Does a Colles fracture hurt?

When you have a Colles’ wrist fracture, the distal end breaks, which can cause your wrist to bend in an abnormal way. This injury is very painful. You might not be able to hold or grip anything, and your wrist will be swollen. You might also have bruising in this area.

Does a Colles fracture require surgery?

Knight treat a Colles fracture? For a non-displaced fracture, splinting is an effective method of treatment, but if the break is more complex then surgery may be necessary to open the wrist and realign the bones.

Is Colles fracture serious?

What is the treatment for Colles fracture?

The fall sends force through the bones and displaces the distal radius toward the back of the hand or forearm. Doctors can treat most Colles’ fractures with casting or splinting. Some people may benefit from surgery to improve alignment and restore function in the wrist, after a Colles’ fracture.

What is the commonest complication of Colles fracture?

A study of 565 fractures revealed 177 (31 per cent) with such complications as persistent neuropathies of the median, ulnar, or radial nerves (forty-five cases), radiocarpal or radio-ulnar arthrosis (thirty-seven cases), and malposition-malunion (thirty cases).