This injury was first described in 1814 by Abraham Colles as a transverse fracture of the distal radius with dorsal displacement of the distal fragment. It is one of the commonest fractures in children and the elderly.
The fracture occurs due to fall on the hand with the wrist in extension. X-rays show displacement of the dorsum or radial displacement and impaction of the distal fragment.

Treatment

If there is no displacement, it can be treated with a back-slab until the swelling subsides and then a full plaster cast can be applied.
If there is displacement, it can be reduced under anaesthesia, with manipulation.
If a reduction cannot be achieved or maintained, then surgical fixation is required by K-wires.
The affected side should be kept in a sling until the pain subsides and movement should be encouraged.

This is a fracture of radius head. It was fixed with Kirscner wires using the ulna as a fixed point as shown in the X-rays.

Before

After

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