MSK: Colles' Fracture: Free MSRA Podcast

🎧 MSRA Deep Dive: Colles’ FractureYour express lane to understanding distal radius fractures🧠 Key Learning PointsDefinition• Colles’ fracture = extra-articular distal radius fracture with dorsal displacement (D for dorsal).• Classic “dinner fork” deformity at the wrist.• Commonest wrist fracture, especially in older adults.Causes & Risk Factors• Most often due to FOOSH: Fall Onto Outstretched Hand (think “fall and fork”).• Risks: osteoporosis, older age (postmenopausal women), previous fractures, RA, bone disorders, high fall risk.• Men with Colles’ fracture have a higher future hip fracture risk.Pathophysiology• Fracture is usually transverse or oblique, 2–3cm proximal to wrist joint.• Dorsal (posterior) displacement of distal fragment causes “dinner fork” appearance.Symptoms & Signs• Pain, swelling, tenderness at distal forearm/wrist• Bruising and visible deformity (“dinner fork” look)• Reduced wrist movement• History of FOOSH (often in older/osteoporotic patient)• Always check neurovascular status—especially median nerveDifferential Diagnosis• Smith’s fracture (volar displacement)• Scaphoid fracture (snuffbox pain)• Ulnar styloid/process fracture• Other carpal/forearm fracturesEpidemiology• Most common fracture in adults >50, especially postmenopausal women (osteoporosis link)• Incidence rises with ageDiagnosis & Investigations• Plain X-rays: AP & lateral wrist views• Assess displacement, articular involvement, associated injuries• CT/MRI if complex or intra-articular fracture, or ligament injury suspectedManagement• Conservative: – Stable, minimally displaced: reduction + cast/splint immobilisation (6 weeks typical) – Pain control, early physio after immobilisation• Surgical: – If unstable, displaced, intra-articular, open fracture, or failed closed reduction – Options: open reduction and internal fixation (plates/screws), external fixation, K-wires• Rehabilitation: – Essential to restore movement and strength; physio is keySpecial Consideration (Elderly)• Surgical alignment may look better, but functional outcomes often similar to casting in lower-demand older adults—discuss risks/benefits with patientComplications & Mnemonic (MNSC A-CRPS):• Malunion (wrong alignment)• Non-union, Nerve injury (median/carpal tunnel)• Stiffness (common post-immobilisation)• Carpal tunnel syndrome/Compartment syndrome• Arthritis (long-term risk)• CRPS: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (chronic pain, swelling, skin changes)• Vascular injury (rare), persistent deformity, functional limitationPrognosis• Generally good with appropriate management and rehabilitation• Recovery: bone union ~6 weeks; full function often takes months• Rehab compliance = best outcomesRevision Links📝 Colles’ Fracture Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/colles-fracture-revision-notes/💬 Accordion Q&A:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/colles-fracture-accordion-qa-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/colles-fracture-flashcards/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/colles-fracture-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/colles-fracture/#MSRA #CollesFracture #MSK #MSRAQuiz #MSRARevision #Ortho #FOOSH #DinnerForkDeformity #Osteoporosis #PassTheMSRA #FractureClinic #MedEd