J Korean Orthop Assoc.  1979 Jun;14(2):181-188. 10.4055/jkoa.1979.14.2.181.

Clinical Study of the Colles' Fractures

• Kwon CS
• Seo KY
• Lee YK
• Choi JY

• KMID: 2460615
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.1979.14.2.181

Abstract

As experience increases, it became apparent that Colles' fracture is not so simple in nature and therefore not easy to treat as might be generally conceived. Only anatomical reduction and maintenance of the reduced position assures good function of the wrist without pain. It is not easy to accomplish even in simple displaced Colies' fracture and it is particularly so in cases of comminuted displaced fractures with involvement of the wrist joint. We believe, therefore, that each case should be evaluated carefully and treatment should be individuallized employing best method available including open reduction. We have treated fifty-two cases of the Colles' fractures from Sep.1974 to Mar. 1978. The average duration of the follow-up was 5.5 months. The brief summary of the observations made in regard to treatment and prognosis are as follows: 1. Among 52 cases, simple extra-articular fracture were 27 and comminuted intra-articular fracture 25 cases. The most common age group of the former was between 40 and 69 and the latter between 30 and 49. 2. The most common cause of the comminuted fracture was falling down from a height, and that of simple fracture was slipping down. 3. All simple fractures were treated with closed method. Several measures of treatment were tried for the comminuted fractures, e.g., closed reduction (10 cases), percutaneous pinning (2), pin and plaster after traction (4) and skeletal traction (7). 4. Better result was obtained with more secure reduction technique, such as, pin and plaster immobilization after traction or skeletal traction even when the comminution of the fracture was severe. 5. Prognosis of the treatment for comminuted intra-articular fracture are unpredictable. The open reduction was considered not particulary beneficial way of treatment.

MeSH Terms

Accidental Falls
Clinical Study*
Colles' Fracture
Follow-Up Studies
Fractures, Comminuted
Humans
Immobilization
Intra-Articular Fractures
Methods
Prognosis
Traction
Wrist
Wrist Joint