Colles fracture Complete list of fracture information Colles fracture A colles fracture is a fracture or break in the radius just above the wrist. Most Colles fractures happen when someone tries to break a fall with their hand the weight of their bodies causes the radius to fracture just above the wrist.

Symptoms of a colles fracture

• Change in the shape or angle of the forearm just above the wrist
• Inability to hold or lift heavy objects
• Wrist pain
• Swelling just above the wrist

Treatment of a colles fracture

• Repositioning bones and
• Immobilization such as a splint or cast.
• Fractures with three or more pieces of broken bone, known as a comminuted fracture, may require pins or other devices to hold the bones in proper position while they heal.