Editing Colles' fracture (section)

== Treatment ==

Management depends on the severity of the fracture. An undisplaced fracture may be treated with a cast alone. The cast is applied with the distal fragment in [[palmar flexion]] and ulnar deviation. A fracture with mild angulation and displacement may require closed [[reduction (orthopedic surgery)|reduction]]. There is some evidence that immobilization with the wrist in [[dorsiflexion]] as opposed to [[palmarflexion]] results in less redisplacement and better functional status.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/distal_radius_frx_position_of_immobilization|title=Adult Distal Radius Frx: Non Operative Treatment - Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423051431/http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/distal_radius_frx_position_of_immobilization|archive-date=2011-04-23}}</ref> Significant angulation and deformity may require an [[Open reduction internal fixation|open reduction and internal fixation]] or [[external fixation]]. The volar forearm splint is best for temporary immobilization of forearm, wrist and hand fractures, including Colles fracture.{{cn|date=October 2020}}
There are several established instability criteria:{{cn|date=August 2021}}
dorsal tilt >20°,
comminuted fracture,
abruption of the ulnar styloid process,
intraarticular displacement >1mm,
loss of radial height >2mm.

A higher amount of instability criteria increases the likelihood of operative treatment.

Treatment modalities differ in the elderly.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Blakeney|first=William|title=Stabilization and treatment of Colles' fractures in elderly patients|journal=Clinical Interventions in Aging|date=November 2010|pages=337–44|doi=10.2147/CIA.S10042|pmid=21228899|volume=5|pmc=3010169 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

Repeat Xrays are recommended at one, two, and six weeks to verify proper healing.<ref name=Pf2010/>