Distal Radial Fractures

Colles' Fracture

Background

• Fracture of the distal radius occurring within 2.5 cm of the wrist joint with the distal fragment being dorsally tilted, often radially displaced and impacted.
• Characteristic dinner fork deformity present, if fracture displaced
• Opposite to Smith’s fracture
• Most common fracture presenting to A/E
• More common in the elderly – associated with osteoporosis 

Classification

Frykman's classification (1967)

• Based on distinction between extra-articular and intra-articular fractures of the distal radius and on the presence of a concomitant fracture of the distal ulna.

• Groups 1 & 2 - Extra-articular fracture ± distal ulnar fracture
• Groups 3 & 4 - Intra-articular fracture involving the radiocarpal joint ± distal ulnar fracture
• Groups 5 & 6 - Intra-articular fracture involving the distal radio-ulnar joint ± distal ulnar fracture
• Groups 7 & 8 - Intra-articular fracture involving the radiocarpal and distal radio-ulnar joint ± distal ulnar fracture