Colles' fracture
Also called: Colles fracture, wrist fracture, distal radius fracture, broken wrist
What it means
A Colles' fracture is a break in the distal radius, the forearm bone near the wrist, usually from falling onto an outstretched hand.
A wrist fracture from a simple fall can be an early warning sign of weaker bones and higher future fracture risk.
A Colles' fracture happens when someone falls forward onto an outstretched hand, and the wrist bends backward under the impact. The distal radius breaks near the wrist and often shifts out of alignment, which is why the wrist can look bent or deformed afterward, sometimes described as a "dinner fork" shape.
This type of break is extremely common in older adults, especially after a trip or slip where there isn't time to catch yourself safely. It's considered a fragility fracture when it happens from a low fall or minor stress, which can be a signal that bone strength has quietly declined.
Treatment depends on how displaced the bone is. Some Colles' fractures are treated with a cast or splint alone, while others need the bone set back into place, sometimes with surgery using plates, screws, or pins. Your doctor will decide the best approach based on your x-rays and how stable the bone is.
A simple fall breaking your wrist can be an early warning sign of weaker bones ahead.
Where this leads
WordA Colles' fracture happens at the wrist. Wonder why this particular joint is one of the first places bone weakness shows up.
Related words
The distal radius is the end of the forearm bone near the wrist, and it's one of the most common spots for a…
The wrist is the joint where the hand meets the forearm, made up of small carpal bones plus the ends of the radius…
A fragility fracture is a broken bone caused by a fall or bump that normally wouldn't break a healthy bone, often at…
Fall risk is how likely you are to fall, and it matters because falling—not just weak bones—is the most common cause…
A cast is a rigid plaster or fiberglass covering used to immobilize a broken bone so it can heal in proper alignment.
ORIF stands for "open reduction internal fixation." It's a surgery where a surgeon repositions broken bone pieces…
Education only, not medical advice. Decisions about tests, medications and treatment belong with your own doctor. OsteoStrong does not diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
