Classic Fractures (1).docx

**Classic Fractures** **Colles\' Fracture** A hand with a broken arm Description automatically generated - **Definition**: A wrist fracture typically caused by a fall on an outstretched hand. - **Mechanism**: Falling onto an extended hand, common in elderly patients. - **Clinical...

**Classic Fractures** **Colles\' Fracture** A hand with a broken arm Description automatically generated - **Definition**: A wrist fracture typically caused by a fall on an outstretched hand. - **Mechanism**: Falling onto an extended hand, common in elderly patients. - **Clinical Findings**: Obvious deformity and swelling in the distal wrist region. - **Imaging**: Plain x-rays show fractures of the distal radius and ulna just above the wrist. - **Treatment**: May require surgery or splinting and immobilization for approximately four weeks. **Reverse Colles\' Fracture** - **Definition**: Similar to Colles\' fracture but occurs from a fall on a flexed hand. - **Mechanism**: Impact on a flexed wrist with direct force on the wrist area. - **Treatment**: Similar management to Colles\' fracture, potentially requiring surgery or splinting. **Snuff Box Fracture**  - **Definition**: Fracture of the scaphoid bone due to a fall on an outstretched hand with extreme dorsiflexion. - **Clinical Findings**: Tenderness over the anatomic snuff box (a triangular depression on the radial side of the wrist). - **Imaging**: Plain x-rays may not always detect the fracture; MRI is more sensitive for detection. - **Treatment**: Typically managed with thumb splinting; surgery is generally not recommended unless necessary. **General Considerations** - **Follow-up**: Recommended for all fractures to ensure proper healing and alignment, often through follow-up x-rays. Top of Form \_\_\_\_\_\_Bottom of Form A fall or a direct impact on a flexed wrist will MOST likely result in which of the following types of fractures? - Reverse Colles' fracture Which type of fracture results in a dorsal and radial displacement of the radius? - Colles' fracture